Pubdate: Mon, 21 May 2012
Source: Muskogee Daily Phoenix (OK)
Column: Fort Faith
Copyright: 2012 Muskogee Daily Phoenix
Contact:  http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3319
Author: Barrett Vanlandingham

MARIJUANA MAY BE NATURAL BUT NOT BIBLICAL

I saw an image on the Internet the other day that says "Marijuana 
Never Hurt Anyone." I thought to myself, "You've got to be joking!"

After all, there's got to be a reason it's illegal in most countries. 
They couldn't all be wrong.

In only a few minutes of research I found more data on the dangers of 
pot than I could print here.

Beyond that, a missionary friend of mine sent word just a few days 
ago of some very disturbing news that happened just across the 
U.S./Mexico border. Here is part of what he said: "23 people were 
killed yesterday (May 4) in Nuevo Laredo, just across the line from 
Laredo, Texas. Nine bodies were found hanging from a very busy 
bridge. 14 decapitated heads were delivered to city hall in coolers. 
The 14 bodies were found in a car left by one of the bridges to the states."

Not only does marijuana lead to hurt, but killing!

Yes, I've heard all the reasons people have for wanting the 
government to legalize marijuana. But other than increased tax 
dollars, can you imagine the burden on society if illegal drugs were legalized?

You think the cost of health care is too high now? Just imagine 
trying to pay for the treatment of all those people who become hooked 
on drugs because of increased availability. And no, the fact that 
marijuana is "natural" is not a good reason to smoke it either. After 
all, poison ivy is also natural and most of us would not ingest it!

Remember Paul's words from 1 Corinthians 3:16-17: "Don't you know 
that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?

If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's 
temple is sacred, and you are that temple."

Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever 
is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, 
whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - 
think about such things."

But how can anyone expect to fulfill these commands with a brain 
suffering from altered judgment, perception, short-term memory loss, 
and a host of other problems associated with long-term marijuana use? 
In addition, pot has 50 to 70 percent more cancer causing chemicals 
than cigarettes!

May God bless you with the desire to experience the real high that 
comes with being a committed Christian, and to soar on wings like 
eagles with all those whose strength is fueled by hope in the Lord 
(ref: Isaiah 40:31). Have a great week!
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom