The Apostle Paul said we should not let anyone judge us on some things we do including eating, etc. God also has given us everything for food even every herb. I preach the word of God to people according to the Scriptures. I smoke weed in my closet. The book of Colossians says I’m at liberty to eat any herb as long as I exhibit the fruits of the spirit and try as much to live according to the Holy Book. What’s your take on Christians who smoke? (Nigeria)

First, we might ask why you smoke weed (cannabis). Some people use drugs like cannabis to escape from the pressures of reality and to relax. If we are followers of Jesus, we need to consider how Jesus managed the extreme pressures of glorifying God in a sin-sick world. Did Jesus escape through using herbal drugs? No. When Jesus needed strength, comfort, and love, he would turn to his Heavenly Father in prayer. 

Consider the following scriptures:

Matthew 14:23 (NKJV), “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Now when evening came, he was alone there.”

Luke 6:12 (NKJV), “Now it came to pass in those days that he went out to the mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God.”

Mark 14:32 and Luke 22:43 (NKJV), 32 “Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’”… (in answer to Jesus’s prayer) 43 “Then an angel appeared to him from heaven, strengthening him.”

It is our relationship with God that gives us peace and helps us to cope. As Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (NKJV)

Paul wrote, “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking (nor smoking weed), but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17 NKJV) 

Paul instructed us to “pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” Romans 14:19 (NKJV) Cannabis does not edify. If it did, why hide in your closet to smoke weed?

Finally, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

The peace you will receive through prayer and relying on God will be far better than using cannabis.