Cannabis, religion and right living.
- Christine DiGiacomo
- Jun 21
- 4 min read
podcast: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/21d4974e/cannabis-wisdom-and-right-living-james-no13
Though I do not consider myself a religious person, I know that religion often gives folks a portal into relationship with God Almighty. Sadly a lot of lies and wrong doing have been perpetuated by 'religions', by churches as well. I have taught on the beliefs of various religions over the years; while the study is interesting in some respects, it is also disturbing. Did you know there are 'churches' that have the sacraments of cannabis and psilocybin mushrooms (psychedelics), and consider both ancient 'teachers'.1
And take Scientology, created by L. Ron Hubbard, science fiction writer and
the founder of Dianetics, the science of the mind, who then studied eastern religions and the occult, and charted a course of greater 'self-discovery'. Scientology … surely one of our culture’s greatest dupes to entice people to grow wiser and actually increase their ‘IQ’… Of course, it also entices them to spend a lot of money to do so, because a ‘follower’ has to work with an auditor on his e-meter (similar in function to a lie detector machine), to achieve next levels as he endeavors to remove the various markings (engrams) from his mind and soul to become “clear”. Wisdom . . . really?
[Pictured are 'spiritual' cards for sale in an airport store today-what in the world?]
The truth is that the world has offered its own brand of wisdom from the start, then eloquently articulated by the Greek philosopher, Socrates, born in 469 b.c., then Plato, and Aristotle. . . all devoted to the pursuit of knowledge. But, it seems St. Augustine had it right - "They say many true things about the creature (creation), but they do not seek with true piety for the Truth, the Architect of Creation, and hence they do not find Him."2 We find truth in God, Friends, revealed to us in the pages of scripture.
Hundreds of years before these famous Greek thinkers, Solomon, son of King David penned much of the book of Proverbs, also called the book of wisdom---
->For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding...3
->True wisdom comes from God alone; the world only offers a counterfeit.
Now in the middle of the third chapter of James, he turns his attention to this topic of wisdom. (after he warned believers about the destructive power of the tongue and more broadly, our words, last Morning Briefing: https://conta.cc/4xCB05Z])
James writes in chapter three, vv. 13-18:
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. [and this contrasted above to selfish ambition].
Wisdom gives us the ability to
>gain understanding - that which is true, right, lasting
>use discretion - the ability to decide responsibly
>be prudent - wise in handling practical matters, exercising good judgment, common sense, careful about one's conduct (okay, there's another T shirt I want--black with the word "prude" written in hot pink script across the chest, with lace on the sleeves, of course)
Wisdom gives us the ability to
>exercise discernment - keen insight
>seek and understand knowledge - the sum of scholarly learning through the ages
>act - exercising discretion, prudence, discernment in a course of action
But when we have understanding or direction on a matter, we are moved to action; otherwise, wisdom is just theoretical.
What a concept--if we seek to know God, His wisdom, directions and plans for our lives and live accordingly, we will be deemed wise, for this life and for eternity. Godly wisdom and thinking will always be superior to that of the worlds, for "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.4
Wisdom. . . not proud or puffed up
Wisdom. . . practical and sincere
Wisdom. . . direction for our lives
Wisdom. . . divine truth
Wisdom. . . available for you, for me
Because true wisdom emanates from the heart of God--it is not prideful or puffed up, but is instead humble. And what's so amazing is that we do not have to take classes in it or keep searching for the latest cultural iteration of it; wisdom can be had by asking God for it. And God will give it generously. Do you seek his wisdom, asking for it daily?
Our handbook for life is the Bible. So let's read, value and practice God's way, and ask him for his guiding wisdom daily~
Christine
James, no.13
-->>Listen to this song, "Believe"- Brooks & Dunn :
1 - located in the city of my birth - Oakland, California. Reading their 'What We Believe' page is not to be believed!
2 - Confessions, around 400 A.D.
3 - Proverbs 2.6
4 - Isaiah 55.8
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