Demonic Drink or Angelic Aperitif?
by Nick Bishop
The consumption and brewing of alcohol go back centuries, according to science. Early humans were eating fermented fruits from the ground thousands of years ago. Science also believes humans may be hard-wired to drink alcohol. Something that according to research, distinguishes us from other creatures on this planet.
Archaeological evidence of alcohol use stretches back 9,000 years in China. Evidence of alcoholic drinks has also been found in the Zagros mountains in Iran, dated around 7,400 years ago.
The consumption of beer, wine, spirits, etc, has as many devotees as it has, opponents.
According to a survey in 2017, commissioned by the ONS, (Office for National Statistics), the consumption of alcohol (in the UK) has risen. 29.2 million back then, were drinkers, as compared to 29 million, the previous year. Adults in the UK drink on average, 9.7 litres of alcohol. This is equivalent to 108 bottles of wine or 427 pints of beer. Teetotallers, on the other hand, accounted for 10.4 million of the UK population.
In the modern age, drink has become more available, with off-licences, bars, supermarkets, restaurants, etc, all stocking it.
The abuse of drink in the population has always been an issue, with unscrupulous shop owners sometimes turning a blind eye to underage drinkers.
Drink for many (like all addictions) is often used as a crutch to get through the troubles of life. Sadly, heavy drinkers may see drink as the only way out of their problems. For many, problems can overwhelm us and some could be a step away from being an alcoholic. The issue of drink can ruin our jobs, relationships, add penalty points on our licence and make us closet drinkers. The best way to avoid this, of course, is to be teetotal or drink in moderation. And if you cannot control your consumption of alcohol, seek help.
While many Christians abstain altogether, others enjoy a moderate drink now and again. Of course, the Christian community is no stranger to alcohol addiction, just like, sadly, the rest of the general population. However, unlike the Lord, drink and drugs too, only offer temporary relief. When alcoholics are sober again, their problems have not gone away. Yet, when we give our problems to the Lord, he will help us. This illustration may help: sometimes the Lord removes the storm, sometimes he takes us around it, but he is still faithful if he takes us through the storm.
Finally then, as followers of Christ, what should be our reasoning about drinking? Admittedly, Jesus attended parties and drank wine, and we are reminded of Christ’s first miracle of turning water into wine. However, that fact should not justify the over-consumption of alcoholic drink. If you abstain, that’s a good, moral and spiritual standpoint. If you are a moderate drinker, there is a spiritual text which backs that up too, like in 1 Timothy 5:23 (see Bible quotes below). If however, you do have a problem with alcohol, you must seek help. Speak to your pastor, doctor, friend. You can also be referred to those which help with addiction such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). Furthermore and most importantly, we can pray and read the word of God, to be free from this destructive and demonic obstacle.
Romans 14:21 “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine, that causes your brother to stumble”.
Proverbs 20:1 “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it, is not wise”.
1 Timothy 5:23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your ailments”,
Luke 7:34 “The son of man has come eating and drinking, and you say, “Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners”.
God bless you x.
Nick.
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