Articles
The Dangers Of Drinking
Much of the nation was gripped by the emotional testimony given in this past week’s Supreme Court justice vetting. Dr. Christine Ford has accused the judicial nominee of sexual assault when he was a teenager. In this article I don’t plan to wade into the politics of this, though I will add that sexual assault is a serious issue that needs to be taken seriously. The thing I want to draw attention to from the testimony given by both sides is the danger of alcohol. Both the accuser and the accused were involved in underage drinking. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, slows reaction times, lowers our ability to be aware of danger, and often brings the worst out in people. Satan has long told lies that drinking is harmless if done right. Beer commercials promise nothing but fun, they leave out the heartache and health issues that often accompany the consumption of alcohol. Consider Proverbs 23:29-35
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long over wine, those who go to taste mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things and your mind will utter perverse things. And you will be like one who lies down in the middle of the sea, Or like one who lies down on the top of a mast. “They struck me, but I did not become ill; they beat me, but I did not know it. When shall I awake? I will seek another drink.”
Solomon here describes the utter foolishness of drinking. The person discussed makes a fool of themselves and sustains injury but returns right back to drinking! Solomon’s mother warned him that, “It is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink, for they will drink and forget what is decreed, and pervert the rights of all the afflicted” (Prov. 31:4-5). The Christian is reminded at least 7 times in the NT that they are to remain sober minded. Granted this doesn’t just refer to alcohol and drugs, but they are certainly included. How can we be active in the Lord’s work, living as a good example, aware of the schemes of the devil, and looking for opportunities to do good when our senses are dulled? Consider also 1 Peter 4:3-5
“For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”
Peter’s instructs his readers to leave behind all levels of alcohol consumption, drunken partying, social drinking, and casual drink (study the Greek words for yourself if you don’t believe me). Christians are called to live differently than the world. Others will be surprised, and they may even mock and malign you. Your life here will be better and certainly the heavenly reward will be worth it too. I implore you to study the Scriptures for yourself and to make wise life choices.
