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'NO' on 3

September 6, 2024

FROM THE ELDERS OF METRO LIFE CHURCH

Our moral responsibility is to equip our church to vote 'NO' on the proposed 2024 Florida Constitutional Ballot Initiative 'Amendment 3.' God's word and our affirmations of faith support this long-held belief for us.

As a church, we affirm that God's creation is good. While all creation is good, abusing it for any purpose, including 'recreational' intoxication, is not. Creation's care is a divinely given and sacred responsibility, including all creation. We also affirm that governing bodies are responsible for governing fairly and equitably, negating any local or federal misalignment.

Because God's creation is good, we believe its use is a moral issue, and as such, it must align with God's Word. The lack of the word "marijuana" in scripture does not negate the individual's responsibility to exercise discernment.

The common grace of modern medicine is a gift from God. We affirm that a doctor's directed care, in alignment with federal and local laws, can be a grace to those who experience chronic pain. Use should come with much care and counsel. Convictions are not an issue of convenience as much as conscience before a Holy God.

To further train our church to engage with what we believe to be a consistent biblical worldview, we've included resources below from God's Word, our Affirmations of Faith, items related to current state law, considerations at the national level, and surrounding the deceptive language of the amendment initiative.

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SUPPORTING RESOURCES

God’s Word

For Christians who follow a biblical worldview, the issue is clear.

Marijuana use remains illegal at a federal level.
- Despite changes in state laws legalizing recreational and medicinal use of marijuana, it is illegal under federal law. This puts us in a bind with Roman 13 and being in subjection to those who are in authority over us.
Marijuana is habituating, addicting, and mind-altering, and the Bible says much about that.
- In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul tells us that as believers, we are not to be living in a manner that includes chronic intoxication or drunkenness. This list of notable sins is how many of us used to live our lives before we came to know Christ. Paul makes it plain that we are not to live that way now. Paul says, “And such were some of you,” not are! This is not legalistic, but is God at work in us, who intends to make us able to will and to do His good pleasure (Phil. 2:12-13).
Walking in Wisdom (Eph. 5:15-20)
- While this passage does not specifically mention marijuana, it does deal with important problems that accompany its use. Paul tells us that we should not live in foolish ways but instead walk as wise believers. We should make the best use of our time and pursue the will of God, which is, in verse 18, not to be drunk with wine but controlled by the Holy Spirit.
- Drinking wine is not forbidden; being intoxicated and controlled by alcohol is forbidden. And that is the main problem with marijuana and THC. It comes to control the user, and it intoxicates. I have taken care of many individuals who smoke marijuana, and most will say they can quit anytime they wish, but they don’t.
Your Body Is a Temple (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
- Another problem with smoking or consuming cannabis is mentioned in 1 Corinthians. 6:19-20. With the increased risk of lung disease, bipolar mania, and schizophrenia, marijuana offers considerable health risks. We are obligated as believers to take care of the body that God gives us.
No Man Is an Island (Rom. 14:21)
- Lastly, we do not choose behavior without affecting others. Paul deals with the argument between vegetarians and meat eaters in the middle of Romans 14. Paul told them that there was nothing wrong with eating meat or not eating it. But if it caused his brothers to stumble, he would not eat meat or drink wine (Rom. 14:21).
- Smoking marijuana affects others. So, if my smoking marijuana would encourage others to think that I believe it is good and useful, then I would not smoke it or anything else for any reason. While I believe research should be done to see if there are any derivatives from the plant that might be useful, it is, for the most part, a snare and a trap that harms the lives of many.1

Our Statement of Faith

THE WORD OF GOD
We believe that the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. In it is found the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of mankind through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure. (Matthew 5:18; John 10:35; 17:17; 20:31; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21.)

CREATION
We believe that God created all things visible and invisible for the manifestation of the glory of His eternal power, wisdom, and goodness. He created every molecule and galaxy. He created each species of life separately and finished His work by creating Adam from the dust and Eve from Adam. We believe that the universe has its beginning and end in God’s will. The universe is in no sense independent of Him and creation does not reflect a prior deficiency, but its formation and maintenance represent a continuing exertion of His creative power and ability. Both Adam and Eve were created equally in the image of God without sin. He endued them with knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, having God’s natural law of conscience written in their hearts and the power to fulfill that law. They lived with the possibility of transgressing since they were left to the liberty of their own will. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man and woman in His own image and therefore every person of every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love. (Genesis 1; 2:7; Ecclesiastes 7:24; 12:7; Job 26:13; 33:4; Psalm 24:1-2; 33:5-6; 104:24; Isaiah 55:10-11; Jeremiah 10:12; Matthew 10:28; John 1:1-3; Acts 7:24; Romans 1:20; 2:14-15; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 1:16; 3:10; Hebrews 1:2; 11:3; Revelation 4:11.)

CONDITION OF MAN/WOMAN
God made man in His own image; male and female He created them, as the crown of creation, that man might have communion with Him. Tempted by Satan, man rebelled against God. They thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God. Being estranged from their Maker, yet responsible to Him, they became subject to divine wrath, inwardly depraved and, apart from a special work of grace, utterly incapable of returning to God.

This depravity is radical and pervasive. It extends to the mind, will, and affections. Unregenerate man lives under the dominion of sin and Satan. Since this original corruption, we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good. We are thus wholly inclined to all evil and from this disposition proceeds all actual sin. For this reason, we believe all human beings are born with a sinful nature. This corruption of nature, during this life, remains in those that are saved and although it is through Christ, pardoned and mortified, it is never completely overcome until our glorification. (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:16-17; 3:3; 3:6-8, 11, 13, 23; 6:3; 8:21; Job 13:4; 14:4; Psalm 31:3; Ecclesiastes 7:27; Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 13:17; Acts 17:26; Romans 3:10-18, 23; 3:6, 12, 13-19; 7:18; 8:7; 11:32; 1 Corinthians 13:21-22, 43, 49; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 2:1-3; Colossians 1:21; Titus 1:13; James 1:14-13; 1 John 1:8,10; Romans 7:3, 8, 14, 17-18, 23; Galatians 3:17.)

Our State Law

Considerations

Human Dignity

Every person is made in the image of God and is worthy of protection and dignity, regardless of age, race, nationality, level of ability, or stage of development. The Bible calls us to seek justice and righteousness, especially for the vulnerable. As we advocate for fair and impartial judgment and equitable treatment of the oppressed, we bear witness to a God who is ultimately the just Judge and to a gospel that saves all who believe. These realities spur on our commitment to the following priorities:

Oppose Expansion of Substance Abuse and Addiction: Though the federal government has been actively working to decriminalize marijuana, it remains highly addictive and increasingly accessible.2

Marijuana has been designated as a Schedule I illicit drug by both the FDA and the DEA for the past 50 years. The “schedule” of a drug refers to its classification under law and is determined by the drug’s potential for abuse and addictive capacity. Additionally, the classification of a drug determines the ramifications for possession, use, and distribution of a drug, including the severity of fines and jail time.3

“No time, place or manner restrictions [are included]...”4

Our Recommendation

“No” on Amendment 3

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON AMENDMENT 3

Ballot Title: Adult Personal Use of Marijuana
Ballot Summary: Allows adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise; allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories. Applies to Florida law; does not change, or immunize violations of, federal law. Establishes possession limits for personal use. Allows consistent legislation. Defines terms. Provides effective date.5

Endnotes

5. https://ballotpedia.org/Florida_Amendment_3,_Marijuana_Legalization_Initiative_(2024)#Text_of_measure