My father is a recovering alcoholic. I like White Russians. A cool, creamy coffee flavored mixed drink that flows through my entire body each time I drink one.
Beer, wine or even my Soviet beverage, when does drinking become a problem? It becomes a problem when it deviates our focus on the Lord.
Remembering that Jesus and his apostles drank wine, we can safely assume alcoholic beverages complementing meals are acceptable to God. But are they really?
Our purpose, our intentions are at the root of God’s approval. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in itself is not wrong but we know abuse leads to addiction and eventual rifts in our lifelines.
So then, when does drinking become a problem? The answer to that question is: When your intentions generate guilt, or when your motivation for drinking is not Godly.
The Lord brings many things to our tables, wine being one of them. Who doesn’t enjoy a glass of wine with a succulent meal? Although that one glass of wine is more than acceptable, the three glasses before dinner and a liqueur enriched dessert coffee clearly are not.
The bible reads “Let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy.” (Romans 13:13)
Drinking becomes a problem when it affects the people around us, when alcohol dictates critical elements of one’s life, when we become someone else rather then a better version of ourselves.
The bible clearly tells us drunks will not be allowed to enter heaven. “Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:10)
Let’s keep our guard up so we can enjoy responsible drinking just as God intended. Obey the laws of the land which pertain to alcoholic beverages and seek help if drinking ever becomes a problem.
Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives
For all that you provide for us, for our families,
For our friends and all those in need.
Lord we pray you will continue to look after us
And strengthen us in moments of temptation,
Make us strong so that we may get joy
From all fruits of the earth.
Father we ask you to guide our footsteps,
To lead the way to life ever lasting
Where we will rejoice with you
And all other believers.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
