Beech Tree News Network

 Drinking alcohol continues to be a problem today. Alcohol use ultimately brings ruin, and yet, it’s a multi-million-dollar product. We’re well aware of the bourbon industry in Kentucky, and the dollars (in taxes and profits) it produces yearly.

             Can we justify drinking alcohol because of the monetary rewards for the city, county, or state? Can we justify drinking alcohol because many in the world think this is the right thing to do? I find it odd that if alcohol is such a wonderful thing to have, and a “boon” for our economy, why are there “AA” groups and Betty Ford Clinics (now called Hazelden Betty Ford) scattered throughout the United States whose purpose is to help people stop drinking alcohol and overcome addiction?

             Often, people will argue that God never condemned drinking alcohol, only getting drunk. Yes, God condemned getting drunk (Rom. 13:13; I Cor. 5:11, 6:10; Gal. 5:21). Yet, is this the extent of God’s condemnation? Is it OK to drink “a little” and promise not to get drunk?

             Actually, God condemns “social” drinking as well as getting drunk! This fact was stated clearly when Solomon said, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Prov. 20:1). “Mocking” has to do with scorn, derision, to make fun of, or treat cruelly. This is what happens when alcohol is in our system. It doesn’t make one “ten feet tall and bulletproof.” It’s just the opposite! Anyone who thinks otherwise about alcohol isn’t wise. If one isn’t a wise person, then what is he?

             In Proverbs 23:29-35, we read about the dangers of alcohol. In this case, Solomon begins by talking about people who suffer injuries, but have no idea how they were injured. Their minds were so messed up with alcohol that they lost their memory (v. 30)! Yet, notice that God not only condemns drunkenness but says not to even look at the wine (v. 31). “At the last,” it will “bite like a serpent and sting like an adder” (v. 32). Remember, there would be no “at the last” if there weren’t a “first!” Drinking alcohol is condemned by God from the beginning!

             A New Testament passage that is appropriate to study is I Peter 4:3. In this verse, we see where Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, spoke God’s word and condemned drinking in any amount. “Excess of wine,” “revellings,” and “banquetings” describe various states of inebriation. From the “social” drinking party (banquetings) to the passed out drunk (excess of wine), God, through Peter, said to not be involved in it. Such actions are in the same category as lasciviousness, lusts, idolatry, and the lusts of men (I Pet. 4:2).

             We need to avoid the appearance of evil and stop playing games with sin (I Thess. 5:21-22). Some justify drinking champagne at weddings, while others say it is OK to drink a beer from time to time. We hear of those who think an after-dinner drink, or a “nightcap” before bed is the way to go. Friends, don’t get caught up in Satan’s trap! Alcohol consumption will wreck and ruin our souls. We stand in jeopardy when we justify the recreational use of alcohol!  Don’t fall for Satan’s lies!

             (Our study on the Holy Spirit continues on January 27. If you are interested, please contact us at the phone number below.)

 -- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167