Marshmallows have no nutritional value whatsoever. They are literally made of sugar. And gelatin. In terms of dietary consumption, they have no redeeming factors. And yes, I know the little lawyer in your head is trying to find a loophole, but just give in to the common sense... marshmallows are not good for you.
But are they sinful?
Let me just get the answer out of the way so you aren't reading just to find it: No, marshmallows are not sinful. There is no anti-marshmallow law in the Bible, not even in the Old Testament.
That probably seems quaint and altogether unhelpful, but I do have a point. Just stick with me.
Life is full of marshmallows
Every day, you and I are confronted by things that aren't necessarily sinful, but have little or no inherent spiritual value. I don't want to get too far into specific examples, but should probably provide a few: Video games, movies, TV shows, sports, alcohol, cars, motorcycles, and chocolate chip cookies. The Bible doesn't call us to them, but it doesn't call us from them either. They are spiritual marshmallows.
Now, marshmallows may have no nutritional value, but they do have other values. Firstly, they are delicious. There is that. Secondly, they bring people together. Everyone (haters notwithstanding) likes to gather 'round the fire and roast mallows. In other words, they have benefits that can transcend their lack of dietary value.
A marshmallow may not be good for you physically, but it can still be good for you in other ways (potentially. sometimes, in moderation, etc).
So, can I have a marshmallow?
I don't know. It really depends.
As a Christian, I think there's three questions that we should ask ourselves before engaging in any activity:
- Is it Biblical?
- Is it against my conscience?
- Is it beneficial?
As the infallible word of God, the Bible should always have final authority in a Christian's life. Our feelings may be fleeting, our thoughts deceiving, but scripture is constant, objective, and true. So, we start there.
If something isn't called out directly in scripture, it then becomes a matter of personal conviction. As Christians, we have the very presence of God, the third member of the Trinity, living inside of us. The Holy Spirit guides and directs us, helping us to apply scriptural principles to our every day lives. He speaks to us through that still, small voice, granting situational discernment. Whereas the Bible is universally applicable, the Holy Spirit may direct us to give certain things up on a personal level.
Lastly, if it's not against scripture and there's no personal conviction, we should ask ourselves whether it's beneficial. I once heard a pastor say that it's not a sin to eat your lawnmower; it's just stupid. This is, I think, where many Christians struggle. We spend time, effort, energy, and brain power on things that, while not wrong, are also not helpful. That is problematic.
A personal example
I've always really enjoyed a video game series called Final Fantasy. The story lines are riveting, the character development rich, and the game play excellent. When I was young, I spent hundreds of hours playing through them.
However, there came a time (I must have been 12 or 13), when I felt a strong impression that I should not play them anymore. It's not that they somehow violated the 11th commandment, but I just knew in my heart that I needed to stop playing them. Perhaps it was the use of magic. Perhaps it was just the sheer volume of hours spent (which, in retrospect, I can see was probably excessive). I'm not 100% sure. But, I obeyed, and didn't play anymore Final Fantasy.
That is, until a couple of years later. One day, I remember having a hanerkin' to play. I prayed about it and, not receiving any sort of check, proceeded to start playing again. It was a good, guilt-free day.
Now, years later, I still sometimes get the urge to play. However, I don't. Not because it's unbiblical or against my conscience, but because I don't think it would be beneficial. The games cost money that would be better spent on other things, and time that would be better spent with my wife and children. It's not that it would be a sin - I just don't think it would be wise at this juncture.
Conclusion
So, to summarize, it's perfectly ok for Christians to participate in activities that aren't directly spiritually edifying. A movie need not star Kirk Cameron to be freely enjoyed. There's no harm in the occasional marshmallow. That said, we should be diligent. Just because we can do something doesn't mean that we should. Remember, this life is just training for the next - the biggest pleasures are yet to come.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. - 1 Corinthians 9:24-25