The World's Most Popular Drug
What is the best way to overcome society's problem with alcohol? Many social experts, along with the breweries and distilleries, say that "drinking in moderation" is the answer. That is not the answer. For much too long that has been the problem. Think about it; is that the way to handle society's problems with any other drug? Is the answer to the heroin problem to encourage people to use it "in moderation"? How about cocaine? Marijuana? LSD? Would our society be better if "moderate" use of these was urged? Would we be better husbands, wives, fathers, mothers and children as well as neighbors, employees and students? Absolutely not; so then why is the drug alcohol given "preferred drug" status? Whatever the reason, it is not because it has been demonstrated to be less harmful than the others!
Just because a thing is popular does not mean it is right. Just
because society looks upon an activity with approval does not mean that God
does. And just because someone says "drinking won't hurt me" does not mean that
it won't.
Do Not Be Deceived
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is
not wise" (Proverbs 20:1). Alcohol can accomplish much. If you are looking for a
way to slow down your brain activity for a spell, then alcohol is your ticket.
In fact, if you drink enough you can do so permanently. If you are looking for
less self-control, then alcohol is at your service; it will allow you to
stupidly do and say things you never would while sober. If you want to slow down
your reflexes and hamper your motor skills, again alcohol can do it. And since
your self-control is also depleted you can get behind the wheel and "hit the
road" or whatever/whoever else might be in your crooked path. Alcohol also helps
you break down your immune system so you can more easily become infected by some
special disease that you've always wanted. And who needs all those billions of
brain cells that will be destroyed? They will always grow back, won't they? (NO!
They won't!). "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has
complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of the eyes? Those
who linger long over wine, Those who go to taste mixed wine. Do not look at wine
when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it goes down smoothly; At the
last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. Your eyes will see
strange things, And your mind will utter perverse things. And you will be like
the one who lies down in the middle of the sea, ... They struck me, but I did
not become ill; They beat me, but I did not know it. When shall I awake? I will
seek another drink" (Proverbs 23:29-35).
Misuse of Scripture To Justify Use Of Alcohol
"...which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the
Scriptures, to their own destruction" (II Peter 3:16). First, the Bible does not
condemn all possible uses of all kinds of wines! But one cannot justify a use of
wine that the Bible does condemn on the basis of a use of wine that it allows.
There are at least three uses of wine that are spoken of favorably in the Old
Testament: New wine (fresh grape juice) was used for its nutritional value and
to quench the thirst (Genesis 27:28); New wine was also used in religious
observances either to be consumed (Deuteromony 12:17,18) or poured out as an
offering (Numbers 15:10). Fermented wine was used as pain killer for the injured
or sick (Psalm 69:21 Proverbs 21:6).
No Biblical passage justifies the recreational use of alcohol. Into what kind of
wine did Jesus turn the water (John 2:1-11)? The record states that it was
"good" wine. Early writers describe this kind of wine to be "harmless." Pliny
describes it as being "destitute of spirit." It is naturally sweet, not sour or
bitter. It is fresh.
Timothy was urged to "No longer drink water exclusively, but use
a little wine for the sake of your stomach and frequent ailments" (I Timothy
5:23). There was not a large supply of healthy drinking water in Bible times. To
help alleviate this problem, wine would be mixed with the water so that water
could be drunk without the ill side affects. The ratio was about one part wine
to four parts water. Timothy's gastro-intestinal tract needed help, and such use
of wine (not necessarily fermented) was urged by Paul. But again, none of these
passages justify the recreational use of alcoholic beverages.
Living For The Lusts of Men or The Will of God?
"...So as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of
men but for the will of God. For the time already past is sufficient for you to
have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of
sensuality, lusts drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable
idolatries" (I Peter 4:3). There are three words in the above passage that
relate to modern drinking habits. All three are obviously prohibited from the
life of one who is living "for the will of God."
The first is translated "drunkenness." This is the habitual drunk. His senses are dulled and his life is in shambles. He is out of control. No one admires a person in this state!
The second is "carousals." This describes the "party animal." He is full of fun. He is often admired by the world. He is the one you see on the commercials.
The third is "drinking parties" or "banquetings." This is similar to "carousals" with one important exception: the word does not necessarily imply drunkenness. It means repeated drinking of alcohol regardless of the amount. One is guilty of this when he drinks whether he is noticeably intoxicated or not.
All three of these drinking styles are condemned by God's word.
They are all damaging to health and influence. They can all lead to alcoholism
and other serious problems. We are God's people. We have better things to do
with our lives.
By Jon W. Quinn
From Expository Files 10.6; June 2003
