They're Going to Do It Anyway!
By Steven Harper

We should have seen this coming. The current slowdown in the economy is bringing proponents for the legalization of marijuana out of the woodwork. This time, they are arguing from the standpoint that the possible federal, state, and local tax revenue is a positive reason why we should embrace legalization of the use of marijuana. Once again, part of the legalization crowd's reasoning is: "They're going to do it anyway;" so, they argue, "We might as well make money and regulate it at the same time." Even as they once again argue their point, they persist in ignoring the facts about recreational use of marijuana: and its effects:

I fear there are some politicians now in office who see only the tax-revenue possibilities [cha-ching!] and none of the future effects of their immoral decisions. They hope to blindly and blithely approve marijuana's legalization, to the detriment of our current and future society. Some, ever eager to please the ones who make the most noise [or threaten them with the most lawsuits] have kowtowed and are joining in the rising opposition to anyone who would dare call for morality among us. It seems that no people in high places have moral fiber anymore, and it's now just the old "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" mentality.

Unfortunately, this mind set, though not new, is becoming more common as mankind moves further and further away from God's standards. This same line of reasoning ("They're going to do it anyway," or even, "They are already doing it") is also being used by some groups that are pushing for the legalization of prostitution and dispensing condoms to teenagers in the public schools; it is even being used by those seeking to increase the speed limits. To the proponents of such things, the fact that many are already doing it seems to be some sort of twisted defense, not only for legalizing or supporting these acts, but also as justification for marginalizing and ridiculing those who, based on God's moral standards, disagree.

As a student of logical discussion and debate, I feel it is necessary to point out the argumental fallacy being used here; not surprisingly, it is called "Overlooking Secondary Consequences." Those who use this line of faulty reasoning often gloss over the studies that show that the very actions they promote often have secondary and unwanted or dangerous consequences. As tools being used by our enemies, they just want us to focus on the temporary pleasure of the moment and to forget about what might be the final result. Only hardened hearts go forward into sin after hearing of dangerous consequences, so the enemy tries to get us to focus on the "here and now," and not the future, where payback is certain.

Especially when it comes to spiritual matters and the things God has forbidden, we must see the wisdom in not giving in to fleshly desires, simply because some "are going to do it anyway." Surely, we must see that God will not be pleased! Yes, some will do what He has forbidden, but the laws God has given--even the prohibitive ones--are there for our good.

Can you imagine standing before God, pleading with Him to be less harsh because, when it comes to sin, "Men are going to do it anyway"? Yet, that is the plea directed toward those who are trying to uphold God's laws! The fact is, when we surrender all restrictions and loose what God has not loosed because "People are going to do it anyway," then we are headed for anarchy and lives of godlessness.

But let us also realize that even Christ's disciples, if we are not careful, are not immune to falling into this way of thinking. On a personal level, it is sometimes the very reason why we enter into sin. If we happen to have trouble with a certain temptation, we might succumb because we convince ourselves it is too difficult to resist so we are going to do it anyway. This then leads us to other sins because we look back at our failure and surrender instead of resisting. We do not have to sin, though; we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (Philippians.4:13), and He has promised an answer for every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).

On the level of our spiritual relationships with others, it may be that we see a brother or sister in sin and tell ourselves we don't want to get involved, or convince ourselves they would never listen to us because they are going to do it anyway. We don't stop to think that, yes, they may end up doing it anyway, but if we truly care for their souls, we will do all we can to get them to stop. It may be, too, that they disregard our pleas because they have convinced themselves they are going to do it, and they cannot turn back. But let us do our best to convince them otherwise and to bring them back, because their souls are at stake (James 5:19, 20).

Among local congregations, this line of reasoning has led many churches to become lax in their discipline and to no longer stand for the truth. They've begun reasoning that the erroneous practices are inevitable and, often, some error has already crept in. Instead of standing firmly on God's word, they base their decisions on what pleases the most people and draws the largest crowds; truth falls by the wayside. Friends and brethren, this should never happen! Let me say this in the strongest way possible: It is reprehensible to argue that we must cease preaching and teaching against certain sinful behavior simply because people are going to do it anyway.

Think about it; God created man, even though He knew man was going to sin. Aren't you glad He did not cancel His creation plans because He knew--before He made us--that we would sin? And Jesus moved out of heaven to live as a lowly man, even though He knew some of us would treat Him cruelly and crucify Him on a cross. He came to save His people from their sins, and He died although He knew many people were going to reject Him.

For us, sin is not inevitable. We can always choose whether to sin or not sin, depending on our desires (James 1:13-15). Sometimes, that calls for making difficult choices and sticking with them when others try to persuade us to give in. But one who sets his mind on heavenly things, and not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2), will not give in. God certainly wants us to be happy, but let's not profane His glory or self by seeking happiness in those things which are opposed to His will and contrary to godly behavior. God wants us to be eternally happy; therefore, we must look beyond what is temporary.

I doubt that the parents of a young child would give that child a parachute because they heard that he wanted to jump off a cliff. Their reasoning-"We'd best be safe, because he's going to jump anyway." I am also certain that God will never approve of our sinful activities because we're going to sin anyway. God has drawn the line between righteousness and sin; which will you choose?


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