Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is lead astray by them is not wise. (Proverbs 20:1 NIV) The harsh cold early Spring winds of the far north cut through the young expectant mother`s thin coat as she and her young daughter walked slipping and sliding in the snow for several long blocks to the maternity center. There was no husband to help support them on the walk. The family did not have a car; there was no money for a taxi, and buses were not running due to the bad weather. The husband had decided to invite his drinking friends over to celebrate with him about the upcoming birth of his new child. When the young wife realized that it was time for the baby to come, she informed her by now drunken husband that they must go to the clinic. He shouted that she should stay and serve him and his friends some more food and find some money somewhere for more booze. All the drunks started shouting at her and it became threatening for her and the young daughter. The young mother knew from experience that this would turn violent, so she saw an opportunity and ran out into the cold night without proper clothing. The boy was born – not without complications, which required an extended hospital stay. The drunken husband never came to see the mother and his new son, or to check on his daughter. Instead, when he heard that he had a son, this was cause for new celebration. Somehow, some other friends came up with some money for expensive drinks for a long party. When the young mother came home with her children, she found their apartment in complete disorder. She looked in shock and disbelief at the mess, which included nine bottles of expensive cognac along with vodka, champagne and other alcoholic drinks. The party had gone on for several days. She found her husband in a drunken stupor with another woman. She made the decision to make a new beginning for herself and the two children without a father. The young boy grew up to manhood not knowing his father, and the little girl is now a mother with troubling memories locked away in the private recesses of her soul. The young mother did not have time to feel sorry for her self. She took several different jobs for many years while raising the children as a single mom. The drunken father is suffering with liver and kidney problems along with other complications, while still tipping the bottle.
This is only one story that is similar to experiences of millions of people all around the world. Nearly all people know the debilitating effects of drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages. Despite all the documentation regarding the dead-end road of alcoholism, people continue to look to this vice for comfort and joy. It is sad indeed that many people have made it a custom to drink large amounts of alcohol to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Christ came to save sinners from the slavery of sin. We pay no respects to God by dishonoring ourselves in the degrading manner of a drunkard. We can be jolly without being drunk on strong drink. The Bible gives several clear pictures of the damaging effects of strong drink. They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end. (Psalm 107:27 NIV) Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine. (Isaiah 5:11 NIV) "Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies." (Habakkuk 2:15 NIV) The Bible also condemns the sin of drunkenness with many strong warnings. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery not in dissension and jealousy. (Romans 13:13 NIV) But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. (1 Corinthians 5:11 NIV) Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NIV) One of the marks of a mature Christian is the habitual practice of self-control. In fact, self-control is something that sets people apart from the masses. We all have respect for those who practice self-control. God expects this of his people. (2 Peter 1:6) Self-control is a qualification for church leaders. (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 2:2) You are encouraged to attend the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Write me with any questions or comments. David Binkley, Sr., P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or E-mail at dgbinkley@aol.com. You may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at http://www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com. | 