Leadership: Without Intoxication
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Proverbs 20:1 (ESV)
do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit…
Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)
The condition of intoxication is as familiar as a barking dog: funny to many, disliked by others, and most often ignored by passersby. Is he a frisky friend or growling fiend? Will it bite? Can its owner control it?
Because CONTROL is the central issue. From Bible days to our present-day world, the use of alcohol invites debate.*
Can we control uninhibiting drinks, or does this inhibition control us? Jesus drank wine, but many Christians don't. Who's right? We know Jesus is ALWAYS right, but don't smirk and think abstainers are wrong.
The best answer depends on two factors:
Are we casting our cares on God or booze? Because any happiness, peace, or joy outside of God’s will is temporary. The “dogs” will continue to bark (and bite)!
Are we poor handlers of dogs/alcohol? Some people aren't meant to be “dog people”. That's not a crime. It’s simply their design. Just don't buy a “puppy” because it's cute. (It may become a howling/biting hound.)
Two famous Christians share SOBERING thoughts:
“Drunkenness is a flattering devil, a sweet poison, a pleasant sin; whosoever has it, has not himself.” (St. Augustine)
“Drunkenness is the devil's back door to hell and everything that is hellish. For he that once gives away his brains to drink is ready to be caught by Satan for anything.” (Charles Spurgeon).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
We live in strange times where “anything” goes! Even so, don’t fret about lawlessness, because God’s Spirit is your Chaperone, Counselor, and vigilant Guardian.
Nevertheless, the Word says DON’T TEMPT GOD by slow dancing with a wily serpent. Whatever you do, 'Watch and be sober' (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Christian leaders need 'The Mind of Christ' (1 Corinthians 2:16), UNCONSTRAINED by anything that pollutes.
Don't discard the treasure of sound judgment for the teaser of intoxication.
Leadership: Without Intoxication (Part 25)
* For the purpose of this devotion, I limit the subject of intoxication to alcohol. In terms of drugs: 1) Largely, they're illegal, and God says to respect the laws of the land; 2) They're designed for addiction and even more dangerous. Their abuse is a pandemic disaster. No safe ground exists.
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!