Alcohol…  Beer, Whiskey, Vodka… it used to be my vice of choice.  Many nights (and afternoons) were spent guzzling the addictive liquid in my past.  I consumed it for many reasons, none of which I can say honestly enhanced my life at that time or the one I live today.  When under the influence of this, my mind was impared.  Although I didn’t have concern for my problems during that time, they did however expose themselves the next morning, along with additional complications.

In today’s culture, including the one that involves many people who call themselves “Christ followers,” the consumption and enjoyment of alcohol is a hotly debated topic.  Many followers defend their right to consume, while others call it sin and steer far from it at all cost.

1 Peter 5:8  (NIV)

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

In this scripture, we are clearly instructed to be free from distractions that move us away from the great commission, because the enemy wants to destroy us.  He also wants to destroy those around us.  Imagine getting a call from a friend, and they tell you that they have a pistol in their lap, and you have 5 minutes to talk them out of it.  If impared by alcohol, or any other distraction for that matter… drugs, unnecessary worry, or even the Super Bowl… could you be ready to have the clear mind that is needed to thwart the enemy’s evil agenda?  I’ve gotten that call before.  I had to be ready.  Thank heavens, I was ready and sober minded.

Alcohol is fun.  If it wasn’t, it wouldn’t be the billion dollar industry that it is.  If sin wasn’t fun, Satan wouldn’t have to work overtime to tempt us.  But sometimes the fun times can distract us from reaching that lost and dying world that needs us to be Christ in shoe leather.  If we’re wasted, so is that opportunity.  It can end in a bang.  Let’s not let that happen!

Questions to ask yourself…

  1. Have you ever been distracted by a vice when you were needed on the spot?
  2. Do you allow the things of the world to take you away from trusting in Christ?
  3. Are you prepared to speak the gospel to someone at a moment’s notice?

COMPOSED BY: Mark T Ewing