Alcoholism
What is alcoholism? Alcoholism is a penalty. It ris a just effect caused by abuse or misuse of a privilege. Alcohol by itself does no harm to anyone. Food by itself does no harm to anyone. Salt, pepper, and spices in moderate amounts do no harm to anyone. But what would be the result of abuse of these products?
Great amounts of pepper can kill a person. Too much food can kill a person. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to permanent brain damage and kill a person. Too much alcohol impairs ones judgement and can cause harm to others, and oneself, unintentionally.
It becomes evident that we are the culprits. God has given us this world and all it contains to use and enjoy, not to abuse and destroy. Yet, we can’t help but destroy because the word of God says we were born with an evil, destructive nature (Gen. 8:21; Eph. 2:3; Rom. 7:18-19). God’s word says we are being held captive by Satan to do his will (2 Tim. 2:26). Our nature is out to destroy us, but we must master it (Gen. 4:7).
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil by performing the works of God daily in His life (1 John 3:8). This is a very easy thing to do (Matt. 11:30). Just overcome evil by doing good (Rom. 12:21). Resist Satan and he will flee from you (Rom. 16:19-20; James 4:7). Who is there to harm us if we prove zealous for good deeds (1 Peter 3:13)?
Jesus Christ drank wine (Luke 22:18; 7:34). He made wine from water and in the future, He will serve wine at the wedding supper for the saints (John 2:6-10; Is. 25:6). There are many Scriptures that support the wise, moderate use of alcohol (Eccl. 9:7; 8:15; 2:24; 5:18; Prov. 20:1; Eph. 5:18). Yet, the New Testament warns us not to become drunk (Gal. 5:21; Rom. 13:13; 1 Thess. 5:7). The Bible teaches us we are to be controlled by God’s Spirit, not alcohol (John 16:13; Rom. 8:14; 1 Tim. 3:3).
Those who love God are told to practice moderation in all things (Prov. 11:1). We are to be examples of godliness, as we overcome our evil tendencies by choosing to honor God with good choices instead (1 Tim. 6:11; 1 Peter 3:11). So, if you are going to abuse alcohol, don’t use it. If you have abused it and are receiving your just penalty, then don’t use it anymore (Eph. 5:18; 1 Cor. 6:10; Rom. 13:13). There is much more to life than alcohol (1 Pet. 4:3).
Take control of your life be being pleasing to God in all respects and honor Him by disciplining yourself for the purpose of godliness, so you may be a shining example to others and bring glory to His name (1 Tim. 4:7; 1 Cor. 6:20).