The Muskogee City Council meeting on July 11  showed  an amazing illustration of the existence of two worldviews, which were and are in contrast. One is known as a Humanistic Worldview versus the one known as the Judeo-Christian Worldview.  The Council was hearing opposing presentations about the necessity and value of authorizing the third marijuana grow business to be located across the street  from the First Baptist Church.

The presence of such a business would impact surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.

The owners of the new business – all 5 or 6 of them – gave impressive, convincing, persuasive presentations to tell the Council members and the packed council room of interested city residents the benefits of having this money-maker.

The financial gain would supposedly benefit the city in taxes paid and profit its owners which stated many positive impacts for the community.

On the opposite side was the presentation – an awesome one – made by the pastor of First Baptist Church describing why this business would negatively impact the neighborhood and the city as well. Pastor Kevin Chartney said that the city of  Muskogee  (not the county) already has two grow centers – one at the old post office building along with 90 dispensaries for medical marijuana.

Two members of the church also spoke about the negative impact if the Council approved of the new business.

It is very interesting to see that these two worldviews have characteristics which are opposite from each other. The Humanistic Worldview deliberately is based on omitting God, is man-centered, self-serving, serves Mammon (money and temporal assets), reflects fallen man’s “best efforts” to be community-friendly, represents counterfeit or imitation products that supposedly produce healthful and desired positive outcomes.

The interventions using medical marijuana do work!  The  medicinal product when taken brings  temporary relief for a person’s distresses, pain, insomnia, weight loss, lack of sleep and loneliness,  a temporary feeling of well-being.

One needs to be reminded that using this “medicinal aid” can and often does (as Chartney cited) lead to using stronger drugs which  often leads to ending one’s life or contributes to behavioral misconduct, including violence to self-and/or others.

I have had years of experience providing healthcare for those whose lives have been adversely affected by decisions to rely on drug use to “make it through” daily life.

The other worldview,  the Judeo-Christian Worldview, promotes authentic community-friendliness from a God-driven vantage point and is based on truth (Jesus said of Himself “I am THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE” )  and He also said He Himself came to earth to give those who believe Him and trust Him will have what is known as “the abundant life”.

This kind of life is not trouble-free but a lifestyle that is under the sovereign oversight of The Great Good shepherd who lovingly, powerfully looks out for each sheep in His flock and meets needs for provision, for protection, for peace, for rest and for productivity without side effects or hangovers. (See Psalm 23).

The sheep goes through valley experiences without fear because of the Shepherd’s presence. This worldview truly is community-friendly because it is driven by Godly counsel and direction which brings glory and praise to God and benefits in the here-and-now as well as long term (i.e., into eternity). The “real deal” of health benefits (e.g., relief from pain ) also is the outcome of this worldview  because, when people met Jesus,  He made them  whole by providing the gift of shalom, supernatural peace, peace with God that leads to inner healing of body, soul and spirit.

The other worldview gives an imitation of this same outcome and it is not lasting. This  artificial worldview appears to be practical; however, the “practicality” and appearance are based on deception and man-made interventions to bring relief to suffering.  At the root of this worldview is what represents an imitation of what God created  – joy, peace, forgiveness, self-worth, comfort, relationship that does not fade.  This worldview represents an attitude of rebellion against God’s commandments and design for human life. Jesus came to  reverse what this worldview creates.  His intervention is real and lasting and God-glorifying.

One topic of opposition centered on the smell that is produced when marijuana is made. That smell is a factor in driving want-to-be businesses coming to downtown to decide otherwise. The smell already emanates from the post office grow center. Our downtown needs revitalization and might well come if “My People who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will heal their land.”  Might the citizens of this community, members of the Body of Christ, follow this advice, come together to pray earnestly and see what God Himself would do to restore the downtown area, bring in the financial gain the city needs and make this community a city on a hill so others would want what God gives, promises to give, to those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30).

It takes courage from God to take the high road, to stand alone, to set an example of obedience to God and choose to take a stand for righteousness.   Kudos  for Councilman Ivory Vann and for Councilors who voted to defeat the request for allowing this new business to come into our city.

Now for The Body of Christ to heed the call to prayer – individual and corporate – and come together to  seek godly counsel to bring life back to the downtown area and beyond. Moreover, we, the Body of Christ, need to remember that these two opposing worldviews represent real spiritual warfare. We are not fighting against flesh and blood (the 5 or 6 businesspeople there that night) but against powers in the world of darkness (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Also remember the Godly counsel given to Good King Asa by the Prophet who told him, “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself (God) Mighty on behalf of those whose heart is perfect (loyal, obedient) toward Him.” (2Chron. 16:9a). Resurrection Power is assured to those of us who wear the full armor of God, all 7 pieces daily!