Monday, April 1, 2013

Proverbs 20 - Filled with the Spirit, not Wine

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise." (Prov 20:1 NRSV)

Is it wise to drink and get drunk and fall down?
So that your neighbors and your children see you lieing on the ground?
Is it wise to drink and drive?
So that you put in jeopardy your neighbor's lives?
Is it wise to drink and sleep with your neighbor's wife?
It will surely ruin more than your life.

You probably get the point by my poorly written rhyme. Over-indulging in strong drink can easily lead one astray. Drunkenness leads to a lot of stuff, none of which is good!  It will ruin your health. It will lead your children to fear you (not healthy respect, but fear). It will lead to hospital visits, jail, and even the morgue. It will lead you to a life of poverty, both physical and spiritual. Even if it amounts to little more than being sick the next morning, why would you do something that is going to cause you to be ill and stay in bed or on the couch the whole next day? Cut it out!

"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."  Eph 5:17-20

Be filled with the Spirit of our LORD Jesus Christ and you will know more joy than any alcoholic drink or drug will ever provide. Drunkenness leads to destruction and death. The Spirit of Christ brings wholeness and life. Life life!

God's Peace - Pr. J

 

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