Drink Responsibly
Carefully crafted beer is consistently advertised during televised sporting events. Nearly every other commercial showcases friends having fun, families making memories, or foes reconciling over an icy can of beer. The irony of these common calls for participation in alcoholic indulgence is there acknowledgment of its inherent danger and potential harm. Written in small font at the bottom of the screen is the oxymoronic admonition “Drink responsibly.” But, alcohol consumption is injudicious because it corrupts thinking, clouds sensibilities, and impairs judgment. While its attractive promotion bills it as advantageous, Scripture designates it as unwise, irresponsible, and ruinous. Consider the following passages:
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
Proverbs 20:1, ESV
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. ‘They hit me,’ you will say, ‘but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?’” Proverbs 23:29-35, NIV
“Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18, NLT
What are you drinking? It is a question worth considering because you are not only what you eat, but also what you drink? While you may not drink alcohol, there are other spiritual intoxicants that are just as or even more dangerous. Are you drinking gossip? Are you drinking worry? Are you drinking fear? Are you drinking bitterness? Are you drinking godlessness? Are you drinking insecurity? Are you drinking laziness? Are you drinking faithlessness?
What should you drink? Water. You need water because it buoys the immune system. Water is the best natural liquid for the body and the mind. It cleanses the blood, combats bacteria, eliminates impurities, regulates digestion, aids in perspiration, fuels the mind, and satisfies thirst. Water is a life-giving agent. What physical water is to the body, spiritual water is to the heart. Jesus knew the value of water when He asked a Samaritan woman to pour water for Him from a well. Always apt to use real life illustrations to communicate heavenly truths, Jesus offered the woman spiritual water in exchange which, unlike the well water, would satisfy her deepest thirsts, nourishing her heart with increasing fulfillment.
"Jesus answered, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'” John 4:13-14, NIV
My friend, Jesus is the well of living water. His character pulsating in your life purifies your thinking, clarifies your purpose, and edifies your witness. Today, drink responsibly and accept Jesus Christ as your Source of satisfaction.
“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”
Revelation 22:17
Blessings