A Clear Warning

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Proverbs 20:1 (ESV)
 
This seems rather specific. Wine and strong drink are dangerous. Alcohol kills over 100,000 people a year, is a common denominator in most emergencies that call for police and ambulance backup, has destroyed numerous families, and fuels self-indulgence. Alcohol has power and authority, and once we subject ourselves to it, we open the door to many retreats.
 
People drink alcohol because they like the influence it has on them, because they have lost the idea of having God influence their lives, and they have turned to a bottle for help. Alcohol does not solve their problems; rather, it causes them to ignore, hide, or escape from their problems.
 
God solves problems; alcohol masks them. For some reason, alcohol has been associated with celebrations and good times, when it is the cause of tremendous sorrow and defeat.
 
For some reason, many in the church ignore alcohol's destructive nature even though this warning is clear.



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