Drink Up!

Alcohol (in the form of wine) was a reality in Jewish society during biblical times. Wine was served at meals (Luke 22:14-30), at weddings (John 2:1-11), and as a medical aid for an upset stomach. (I Timothy 5:23)

When wine and myrrh were combined together, it was used as a pain reliever for crucifixion victims.  (Mark 15:21-24) Wine (along with oil) could be used cleanse a wound before bandages were applied. (Luke 10:25-35)

Whether you are addicted to alcohol, or have no issue with it, there are some reminders the Bible wishes you to know on this important topic:

1.  Psalms 60:3, 78:65 – Excessive alcohol consumption can cause confusion and loudness by the person doing the drinking.

2.  Proverbs 31:4-5 – When government officials get drunk, they fail to know right from wrong. People are affected by the bad choices they make.

  

3.  Proverbs 23:29-35 – Being drunk can cause bloodshot eyes, a splitting headache, nauseous stomach, slurred speech, double vision, and the inability to feel pain (when one is hurt). My diagnosis of the above is a morning-after hangover.

4.  Proverbs 23:20, Ephesians 5:18 – Do not be controlled by alcohol. Instead be drunk on God. Your life will be controlled by Someone - God or Satan.

The Devil wants complete destruction in your life, and the Heavenly Father desires absolute restoration. Which will you choose?

5.  Proverbs 21:17 – Excessive drinking (and the pleasure that accompanies it) can lead to poverty both financially and emotionally.

6.  Proverbs 20:1 – Getting drunk can make you mean, quarrelsome, and choose to make unwise decisions.

7.  I Timothy 3:1-3, Titus 2:1-4 – Because of the influence they have on other individuals, both elders (bishops) and seniors (male and female) should not be drunk.

8.  Acts 2:1-15 – Getting drunk causes a person to do things that they would never think of doing if they were sober.

If you have a problem with alcohol, chances are that you already are aware of that fact. Hoping this problem will disappear with your efforts is a losing battle. (It won’t work.) There are people out there that want you to be whole.

Reach out and find someone as if your life depends on it-because it does. Why not check out the chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous closest to you? All you have to lose is the burden that has taken away the best part of you.