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Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
Rather than spending millions on ad campaigns filled with bright lights, leggy blondes, fast cars, and handsome young studs like the alcohol industry does, God simply states the plain truth: We are unwise to be in bondage to anything that makes us look foolish, that destructively incites our passions, and that opens us up to temptation. If your experience with alcohol has led to any of these, please seek the help of strong Christian friends who can help you find freedom. If you are not in bondage to these, please keep those who have been hurt by alcohol and drug abuse in your prayers and fellowship. As the apostle Paul taught the Corinthians:
“I have the right to do anything,” you say — but [I say that] not everything is beneficial. [You say,] “I have the right to do anything” — but I [say that I] will not be mastered by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12).
My Prayer…
O Father, my heart hurts today for every person and every family under the grip of Satan because of alcohol and drug abuse. Please bless those terrorized by a loved one caught in addiction’s grip and its downward spiral to destruction. Please give those trapped by addiction the strength to seek help and not remain alone and silent in their struggle. Please awaken their loved ones to the truth of their destructive lifestyle. Please prepare the people who can help them begin the road to recovery, health, and freedom you long to give them. Please use us, your people, and your church as a place of healing and hope for those caught in this tragic trap. In Jesus’ name, I pray for your mighty help, power, and deliverance. Amen.
Bible References
20 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler, whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Let me just start off by saying that I know there are plenty of Christians who drink alcoholic beverages, and will argue vehemently that they have every Scriptural right to do so. I will not get into arguments over this as it just gives Satan a victory every time God’s children argue. I do not drink alcoholic drinks and the reason is because of the testimony it gives to the yet unsaved.
There was a survey reported on many years ago in Christianity Today magazine. In this article a reporter asked several hundred people on the street this question, “If you see a person drinking a beer, would you tend to think that they were a ‘Christian’ or not?” The result of this survey was that 73% of them said “no” they would not think them a Christian. Like it or not, there are many negative connotations and sinful, destructive practices tied to drinking wine and beer.
The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of eating and drinking things that may be highly offensive to others in 1 Corinthians 10:23-33, and in Romans 14:20-21 it says, “Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
Many people in Paul’s day were eating meat that had been offered to idols, many Christians were convinced that it was a sin to eat such meat, and some thought it alright to do so. Paul’s advice, do not do anything that may cause another to sin.
My personal thoughts on drinking wine and beer are this. Why would I need to drink something that could cause me, or someone who is observing me, to fall into an addiction that would destroy my walk with God? You may say that you can be a social drinker and never get drunk. While this may be true for you, what about your children or grandchildren that are watching you? Are you positive that they will not have a drinking problem when they try what you have brought into the home, or seen you drink at a restaurant? To me it is just not worth the risk! There are plenty of other things one can drink that will not offend, destroy a life, or cause someone to fall spiritually.
Father God, I pray for those who suffer from any kind of addiction that is ruining their lives today. Help them to break the chains that keep them imprisoned Lord and to find peace, joy, and comfort in You. I love You so Abba and give You all praise this day, Amen!