TUESDAY July 2, 2024
Sober Mindedness
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit....
Ephesians 5:18
When a person is walking full of the Spirit, they will be sober-minded. Their mind is sharp. They are able to worship God fully and completely. There are so many Christians these days, and even pastors, who feel they have the liberty to drink alcohol, but are they using their liberty at the expense of another brother’s conscience? The Bible teaches us not to stumble others. Let these Scriptures minister to your heart:
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 NLT: You say, “I am allowed to do anything” —but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.
Romans 14:13, 21-22 NLT: Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. ... It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God.
There are so many warnings about drinking in the Bible. One reason we should not drink is very sobering:
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NLT: Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.
Are you willing to lose your salvation over your drunkenness? Are you that foolish? Perhaps you feel you have the liberty to have a drink, but what about your children? Will it stumble them? Be careful!
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
~Proverbs 20:1~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
