SLOW DESTRUCTION

Eph 5:18 ‘Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead, be filled with the Spirit.’

And be not drunk with wine - It is not improbable that in this verse there is an allusion to the orgies of Bacchus, or to the festivals celebrated in honour of that pagan god. He was “the god of wine,” and during those festivals, men and women regarded it as an acceptable act of worship to become intoxicated, and with wild songs and cries to run through streets, and fields, and vineyards. To these things the apostle opposes psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, as much more appropriate modes of devotion, and would have the Christian worship stand out in strong contrast with the wild and dissolute habits of the pagan. We may learn from this verse:

(1) that it was not uncommon in those times to become intoxicated on wine; and,

(2) that it was positively forbidden. All intoxication is prohibited in the Scriptures - no matter by what means it is produced. There is, in fact, but one thing that produces intoxication. It is “alcohol” - the poisonous substance produced by fermentation. This substance is neither created nor changed, increased nor diminished, by distillation. It exists in the cider, the beer, and the wine, after they are fermented, and the whole process of distillation consists in driving it off by heat, and collecting it in a concentrated form, and so that it may be preserved. But distilling does not “make” it, nor change it. Alcohol is precisely the same thing in the wine that it is in the brandy after it is distilled; in the cider or the beer that it is in the whisky or the rum; and why is it right to become intoxicated on it in one form rather than in another? Since therefore there is danger of intoxication in the use of wine, as well as in the use of ardent spirits, why should we not abstain from one as well as the other? How can a man prove that it is right for him to drink alcohol in the form of wine, and that it is wrong for me to drink it in the form of brandy or rum?

But be filled with the Spirit - The Holy Spirit. How much more appropriate to Christians than to be filled with the spirit of intoxication and revelry! Let Christians, when about to indulge in a glass of wine, think of this admonition. Let them remember that their bodies should be the temple of the Holy Spirit, rather than a receptacle for intoxicating drinks. Was any man ever made a better Christian by the use of wine?  (Barnes)

So what is the big deal about alcohol?  Lots of people drink. ‘I will never become and alcoholic!’  But how do I know this for sure?  Rehabilitation centres are filled with people who said the same thing.  The sad truth is, alcohol is extremely addictive.

Alcohol affects different people differently.  Some become happy; relaxed and cheerful, others become depressed, angry and abusive.  So when is it acceptable to overindulge in this magic potion?  The answer is plain and simple, never!

Luk 21:34 ‘Be careful not to let yourselves become occupied with too much feasting and drinking and with the worries of this life, or that Day may suddenly catch you.’

Alcoholism is a slow destruction of yourself, your family, friends and naturally your relationship with God.  Whether you become happy and relaxed or just abusive, the fact of the matter is you are worshipping something other than God our Father and Creator.

Life is not a walk in the park.  It’s also not a bed of roses.  Life is hard!  You have to be really strong to survive all the stones that Life throws at you.  This however can be easy if you turn your life to Jesus Christ.  His strength will lift you up and guide you through times of tests and tribulations.  If you trust Him and have faith in Him, He will raise you above all the problems of this world, indefinitely!  Yes, alcohol will also raise you above your trials and tribulations, but only temporarily. Once the effects have worn off, your problems are back, sometimes in two-fold.

Pro 20:1 ‘Drinking too much makes you loud and foolish. It's stupid to get drunk.’

If you love yourself, your family and above all, your God, don’t be foolish ... you have an opportunity to turn around, turn your life to God, and make the right choice ... today!

God Bless!