Keep off the grass!

It was a sign that I saw many times when I was a young boy. Usually in public parks, and similar grassy areas, the sign "Keep off the grass" was a warning to walk only on the pathway provided!

Of course, as I grew older, I discovered that "grass" was another name given to the dried leaf of the hemp plant - also known as marijuana, and referred to as "weed", "pot", or "grass". Often (I believe - I have no personal experience! However, I learned a lot during my time as a Police Force Chaplain.) it is smoked like a cigarette, named a "reefer", and produces an exaggerated feeling of well-being; an increased sense of self-confidence; and a lessening of moral restraint. It distorts perception, and creates a psychological dependence, that we refer to as an addiction. There may well be medical uses for marijuana, and having it administered under clinical conditions, and by a qualified doctor may be useful (when I went into hospital, in my early twenties, with renal colic - stones in the kidney - I was given morphine injections!) but the golden rule would be "Keep off the grass"!

These addictive drugs mean that one is, basically, dependant upon something other than Father God. However, while the destructive habits of the drug addict - and that addiction could be to anything from alcohol to heroin - are a serious problem for the user, those of us who have not succumbed to such substances may well ask ourselves if it is possible that we may, in principle, be guilty of similar unhealthy habits!

This may be especially true for those of us who claim to be disciples of the Lord Jesus, the Christ. While not addicted to a drug such as marijuana,or any other similar substance, we may all too easily become dependant upon other "gods" to produce the same effects. Some, for example, try to lose their fears in an endless round of social activities - while neglecting fellowship with the Lord's people. Others are so addicted to watching television that they have little time for prayer and the reading and study of God's written Word. Still others look to money, and other possessions.

However, if we are truly honest, none of these things bring us lasting satisfaction. Indeed, anything that detracts from our dependence upon the Heavenly Father is an offence in His eyes! Things that may not be, in themselves, wrong can finally occupy such a prominent place in my life that they become objects of worship and, if that happens, I am breaking the first and greatest commandment. "... a lawyer, asked [Jesus] a question, to test Him. "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" And He said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment." (Matt 22:35-38).

The highest good for the disciple of Jesus is found in complete reliance upon Him, and the Spirit Who indwells us. Let us, therefore, "Keep off the grass" of false substitutes for God - whatever they may be!