Alcohol and the Christian...

Eddie Van Halen, one of the most famous guitarists in the world and a former alcoholic, says his father encouraged him to drink early in his career, when he would "get so ... nervous" about performing in front of people.

"The funny this is, about the whole alcoholism thing - it wasn't really the partying," Eddie Van Halen told Esquire Magazine. "It was like - I don't mean to blame my dad, but when I started playing in front of people, I'd get so nervous. I asked him, 'Dad, how do you do it?' That's when he handed me the cigarette and the drink. And I go, 'This is good! It works!' For so long, it really did work."

"And I certainly didn't do it to party," he added. "I would do blow and I would drink and then I would go to my room and write music."

But now Van Halen has change his tune, "When they say, 'You can't say, I will never drink again,' I can honestly say I will never drink again," Eddie Van Halen told Esquire. "It's a whole new world. I'm 57 years old and I know I'm not going to live to be 114, so I can't say I'm halfway done. It's a sullen truth, but this is the first record I've made sober." -On the Red Carpet, April 19, 2012, Corinne Heller

A serious problem today involves the consumption of alcohol. More than thirty percent of Americans at some time in their lives has had an alcohol use disorder -Bridget Gant, National Institute On Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism. Nearly 100,000 people die every year of alcohol-related causes -Dr. James C. Garbutt, medical director of the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program (UNC at Chapel Hill).

Alcohol is more dangerous than some illegal drugs like marijuana or Ecstasy and should be classified as such in legal systems -Professor David Nutt, Bristol University. Alcohol is blamed for more than half of all visits to hospital emergency rooms -ibid.

The Book of Proverbs warns against the dangers of alcohol...Whether in the form of wine or strong drink, or with the potential of leading one astray (Proverbs 20:1). What additional wisdom can be gathered from Proverbs concerning alcohol? Let's take a closer look...

First, we learn that alcohol can lead to poverty. There is a warning against those who love wine (Proverbs 21:17). And, a warning against spending time with winebibbers and drunkards (Proverbs 23:20-21). As an example, alcohol has been the downfall of many businessmen!

Next, we learn that alcohol can destroy lives! It can lead to woe and sorrow, contentions and complaints, wounds without cause and redness of eyes (Proverbs 23:29-30). It is seductive, and can destroy one just like the seductress (Proverbs 23:31-32; 5:3-5; 6:24-26). It can alter your senses, leading you to say things you'll later regret (e.g., "office parties") -Proverbs 23:33). It gives a false sense of security, exposing you to great danger (e.g., "driving drunk") -Proverbs 23:34-35).

As you can probably gather, alcohol has destroyed many lives, both those who drink and innocent ones who cross their paths.

Finally, alcohol impairs judgment. Which is why kings and princes were to abstain (Proverbs 31:4-5). It is better reserved for the dying and devastated (Proverbs 31:6-7). Alcohol is definitely not for those who would be wise!

Yes, "Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise." (Proverbs 20:1). Because of such warnings, and with the serious problems with alcohol in our society, let's review what is said about...]

What additional information concerning alcohol can we learn from Proverbs? How about the effect of alcohol in the lives of Christians? Let's begin with what is condemned, drunkeness, and social drinking.

First, drunkeness is a work of darkness, not an element of the armor of light (Romans 13:11-14). It is conduct that not repented of will keeps one out of the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21). It's also conduct suitable for church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:11-13).

In regards to social drinking, we are to dedicate ourselves to doing the will of God, not the lusts of men (1 Peter 4:1-2). Thus, we are to abstain, or stay away from drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties (1 Peter 4:3). Though we should expect others to think bad of us for abstaining, and believe me, it does happen (1 Peter 4:4)! In reality, the popular and common use of alcohol has no place in the life of the Christian!

Finally, let's take a look at what is commanded in Proverbs concerning alcohol. First there is concern for the weaknesses of others (Romans 14:14-18). Are we willing to destroy the one for whom Christ died? Or are we more interested in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit?

Then, there is willingness to forego wine if a stumbling block to others (Romans
14:19-21). Do we know someone who struggles with alcohol abuse and addiction? Do we love them more than any presumed right we may have to drink?

Evidently Timothy had chosen to forego wine for such reasons (cf. 1 Timothy 5:23). Paul prescribed that Timothy drink wine for medicinal purposes. Wine was often used to purify water, yet for some reason Timothy had abstained. That is why the Christian must prayerfully consider the role of influence regarding alcohol.

In closing, what is wisdom regarding the consumption of alcohol? In view of the warnings found in Proverbs...

1) It can lead to poverty
2) It can destroy lives
3) It impairs judgment

In view of the teachings found in the New Testament...

1) There are prohibitions concerning drunkenness
2) There are concerns regarding influence on weaker brethren

So, what is wisdom in light of the problems of alcohol abuse in our society today? Shall we flirt with the seducing effects of alcohol? Alcohol can be tempting and easily traps the unsuspecting. If one in three have succumbed, are we really that safe?

Shall we be insensitive to the weaknesses that many have regarding alcohol? Alcohol is the number one drug problem we face today. If one in three have problems with it, do we dare become stumbling blocks to them?

It shouldn't take the wisdom of Solomon to see that Christians should take the dangers of alcohol seriously and be proactive in helping themselves and others to remain free from its clutches!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, remain in our hearts,
And guide us in our love and service.
Help us to let our light shine before others
And lead them to the way of faith. Amen

May God's grace be upon you,

Patty