A famous physician who specialized in working with alcoholics and other addicts was lecturing a group of young medical students. During his lecture on addictive substances and intoxicants, one of them raised his hand and asked, “Is it true that alcohol enables people to do things better?”
After thinking for a moment, the insightful physician replied, “No, it does not. But it does make them less ashamed of doing things badly or doing bad things.”
Actually, God’s Word presents the results of drinking alcohol much clearer. A verse in Proverbs from The Living Bible states its dangers in these terms: “Wine gives false courage, hard liquor leads to brawls; what fools men are to let it master them.”
Alcohol depresses people’s convictions and removes the restraints that govern behavior. It “frees” individuals to behave in ways that are destructive and damaging to themselves and others. The commitment to do what is right and avoid what is harmful and destructive is blurred and distorted. Seeing the beauty of decency and purity vanishes. Care and concern for others is lost in the fog of forgetfulness and harm and injustice replaces what was once right and just.
Although there are many who would defend the use of alcohol, in the final analysis, it is defenseless.
Prayer: Lord, You want us to have sensitive hearts, keen minds, helpful hands and purposeful lives. All of this vanishes when we consume substances that take from us the ability to discern what You want us to do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
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