I was standing on Beale Street in Memphis holding a sign that read, "Need Prayer?"

It was 10:20 PM and a Kid Rock concert had concluded a block away. 30,000 people poured onto the street and two of them were standing in front of me.

One guy was so stoned he couldn't communicate. He would later, literally, pass out while leaning on the shoulder of one of my friends.

The other guy was red-eyed, but aware.

When they approached, the second guy - a big, tattooed dude in a sleeveless t-shirt, started the conversation.

"What's your favorite Bible verse?" he said.

"Hmmm, good question," I replied. "Probably Habakkuk 1:5."

"Ha buh kuhk?" he said. "I know the whole Bible, King James Version, but I've never heard of that."

He elbowed his friend and said, "Do you know anybody who knows the Bible better than me?" But the guy was busy open-mouth breathing.

"You know what my favorite Bible verse is?" he continued.

"No, what is it?"

"Genesis 1:27, where God blessed all the seed-bearing plants." And he pointed his finger at my face, jabbing with each syllable as he finished. "And that includes marijuana! What do you think about that?"

"Well, let me ask you a question first," I said, and he nodded.

"Okay."

"Has Jesus ever come into your life in such a way that it transformed you?"

He scowled and I continued.

"'Cause that's what's important and if you're familiar with the Bible you know that. The rest falls in line when He takes control."

We talked for about 20 minutes. Later he would talk even longer with my buddy while the 1st guy was passed-out cold, standing up in the middle of the road.

The point is this. Issues are just issues. Particular activities, from adultery to stealing, and from cheating to getting drunk or stoned are not the main thing. A lot of times, as Christians, we are tempted to argue issues with non-Christians that have little value. What we need to do is jump to the heart of the matter: "Who is in control of your life?"

In an all-out, who's right and who's wrong debate, that guy was toast. For one thing, it's Genesis 1:29, not 1:27 he was quoting. But, more importantly, the verse specifically states that God intended the plants to be ours, "for food." So unless the guy was talking about marijuana laced brownies, his argument would crash and burn. And even then, the meaning is clear.

But, there was no need to debate. And here's why.

Chances are, I would get only one opportunity to talk with this guy. There are exceptions, but in a situation like that, it's a one-shot deal - 5, 10, 15 minutes maybe. How do I want to use it?

Sure, I could argue about smoking pot. But, one, that's not the real issue. And, two, without confronting the real issue, the chances of changing his mind about lesser issues are slim.

Which is better? Teaching a blind man to use a cane and keep from stubbing his toes, or to open his eyes and allow him to see?

And that's the bottom line where the Gospel is concerned. Jesus transforms from the inside out - not from the outside in. When confronted with "issues" we need to keep that in mind. Yes, the issues are important. And often it's specific "sin" revealed that brings conviction. But, when given the opportunity, let's hit the big sins of selfishness and control. Let's challenge people to surrender all to Jesus - the one who is in the business of total transformation.