Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
This passage of scripture teaches us the very important lesson that we should never as Christians, make deliberate plans to sin, neither should we provide the wherewithal to make sinning easily accessible. If we know that a particular action or desire is not approved by the word of God, then we should never make any premeditated arrangements, so that the lusts of the flesh can be satisfied.
God implants in every true Christian, an earnest desire to do right, and this new disposition should be cherished and cultivated as a tender plant. However, we should be aware that this new desire does not necessarily preclude all of the old sinful urges from resurfacing from time to time, and here is where we need the grace and power of God to resolutely and consistently withstand these powerful propensities to evil. The terrible struggle that often takes place in our minds striving against sin, is delineated by the apostle Paul where he describes a severe conflict between our sinful desires and the desire to do right. Let's read:
Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
One of the lusts of the flesh mentioned in our first passage has to do with drunkenness, the desire for alcoholic beverages, which has become firmly rooted in our culture. The Bible does not condone the use of alcohol, nor any substance that alters our minds and judgement, for recreational use. The scriptures call for a daily renewing of our minds, and therefore the Budweiser and the Johnny walker black, should not be found in the Christian's grocery cart. Many Christians make provision for the flesh by having these alcoholic beverages stored in their wine cellars or refrigerators, so that whenever the urge arises, the accessory to sin is right at their fingertips. This should not be, for the habit is not approved by the word of God . Let's read:
Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. 35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
The standards of the secular world should never be the criterion for the Christian, and even though the practice of consuming alcohol is popular with many, even in modern Christendom, we should always keep in mind that God has not called us to popularity, and therefore our steps should always be ordered according to the word of the Lord. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reminds us of our sacred duty to live soberly and righteously in this present generation, always seeking to honor God in whatsoever is said and done. Let's read:
1st Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
May God help us to live by His every word always. "Good night" and God bless!