An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Friday, July 23, 2021

The Curse of Moderation

(Pro 23:30 KJV)  They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

The use of alcohol as a beverage is controversial among Christians for some reason.  As with many teachings in the Bible, the balanced approach of the Book is usually ignored and extremes adopted.  Part of that is because most of us have a hard time with the thinking and discipline that comes from a reasoned, balanced approach to issues.  The problem with alcohol is that too much of it is destructive to our reasoning powers and too long of excess can ruin our physical bodies.  Think of it like strychnine.  Strychnine is a natural substance that is often present in water and food.  In the natural levels it is not dangerous but if too much is ingested it is deadly.  Or take a drug like morphine.  Carefully controlled it can be a life-saver in relieving  pain.  It can also lead to addiction and be destructive.

Too often people who claim to follow Jesus do not want to exercise the discipline that He expects.  Drunkenness and gluttony are two examples of this.  The difference is that you can live without booze but you can’t live without food.

So?  It is always a good idea to examine the things we think are important and see if they are enhancing our lives or dragging us down.  Here is it alcohol.  My issues are other places but just as real. 

2 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

I've always heard, "Moderation in all things, including moderation." ;-)

Pumice said...

As long as that doesn't include calling RINOs moderate.

Grace and peace