Passage of the Day:
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? 30 Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. 31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! 32 In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.33 Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things.34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. 35 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?” – Proverbs 23:29-35
Reflection:
Words like abstinence, moderation, self-restraint and teetotalism are often associated with temperance. Since the New Testament offers free will, Revelation 3:20, there is a fine line between abstinence and addiction. Depending upon your personality, upbringing and weaknesses, individuals tend to be susceptible to one or more addictive substances. This could range from alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, the internet, pornography, shopping, or other stimulants. Some of these have restrictions and state laws to limit abuse. Yet, high school students have found ways to get their hands on illegal substances for more than a hundred years. As drugs become more and more addictive, it might just take one moment of weakness to become addicted. This is why its a fine line between abstinence and addiction.
Prayerful Action:
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, Ephesians 5:18.
Setting Clear Boundaries to Live By:
I have an addictive personality. With this in mind, I knew that if I had one drink of alcohol, I probably wouldn’t stop until I was drunk. The first time I drank in my college dorm, I passed out. The second time I drank with friends in college, I had a hang over for 2 days. Finally, the third time I got drunk, I nearly died of alcohol poisoning at a friend’s wedding. When you experience what I did in 5 years, I chose abstinence over addiction. Unfortunately, some people never grasp the concept of going the right distance and no further as one drink opens the door to intoxication. This is where you need an accountability partner or friend to help you set clear boundaries to live by.
Song of the Day:
Some Christian songs don’t have a happy ending. Instead, the lyrics serve as a warning, preparing individuals for learning how to go the distance and no further. May Say a Prayer for Me Tonight inspire you to be a guiding light to friends struggling with the fine line between abstinence and addiction.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 