Jan 15

 “Wine…whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1

Strong drink when indulged, can easily take control of even the wisest and most capable of individuals. It will destroy the minds and reputations of worthwhile people and ultimately help bring eternal condemnation to those who yield to it. It is indeed a mocker as the scriptures title it, and is often at the centre of some of the worst human failings, poorest choices, most horrendous accidents and highly heinous crimes. People with usually bright and responsive minds, can be turned to dull, irresponsible brutes, and become capable of violent actions and promiscuous behaviour, they would not normally consider even remotely appropriate. How foolish to be deceived by a substance known for its trickery, which promises a pleasure it doesn’t deliver! Yet its scorn continues to be given place and worse has strengthened its hold, in a humanity so given over to its power and abandoned to its control. The deception of indulgence in strong drink is twofold – firstly in the fact that the drinker is deceived in believing he will remain in control, when in fact his mind is being altered, his will bent, and at last, like a fool, he can no longer reason wisely or be considered responsible. Secondly its deception extends to the wider scope of society, which largely adopts, excuses and allows for this controlling substance to be consumed far too liberally. Drinking is viewed as ‘normal’ and even necessary in many circles. Thus, in spite of the knowledge that it grossly alters human behaviour, drink is often encouraged, and the deception perpetuated, even while the lives of individuals and families, are being destroyed by the habits which result from this indulgence. The repercussions on society and the cost of dealing with the effects and results of alcoholism are astonishing. In our so called ‘civilized’ culture, it is surprising that we would even remotely countenance this lavish abuse, yet the practice increases and is celebrated, with growing number of outlets and multiplies ways in which strong drink can be easily obtained. Christians do well to avoid any such indulgence and better still stay clear from the practice of drinking alcohol all together, particularly when they consider they were delivered from it in the past, and ponder the importance of their witness for Christ, in the present. We are directed by God’s word not to be brought ‘under the power’ of anything - alcohol certainly qualifies as a controller! Wisdom in God includes making the right choices in response to God’s teaching, and knowing how to lean on the Spirit of God sufficiently that the flesh is not given place or control. Foolishness on the other hand, is ignoring what the Lord says and doing what pleases the flesh. Being unwise is never a virtue, but becomes even worse when the ‘fool’ is one who professes to know and serve God! 

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion