Jesus chose to display His glory by turning water into wine. Paul says, “Don’t be given to much wine.” While I do not feel that scripture never contradicts itself, I do struggle with this issue because in my fleshliness I like RULES. Rules tend to make me feel safe…but as I have said in other posts before: I live among a people that have RULES as their god….it is a sad and dark place to live. Jesus did not die for us to live a life of rules. His dying was all about GRACE.
While scripture doesn’t say not to drink, it does give us many passages on our behavior:
“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity” (Col. 4:5).
“Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks…that they may be saved.” (1 Cor. 10:32).
...he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:7
When I come to an issue in life where there is no “hard and fast rule” I have to allow Jesus to speak to me through the Holy Spirit and his Word that was given to me. So, I choose to take the passages above as well as many others and seek to live a life that display’s God’s glory. Does that mean I don’t ever mess up in front of others? Of course not! I like the way Leah pointed out the “malicious gossip” being listed right next to “enslaved to much wine.” While I would proudly announce that I am not a drinker, I could not proudly announce that I have never gossiped!
So, I choose to stand on grace in this issue and not judgmentalism. I choose to seek God’s glory being displayed in my own life and know that I fall very short in so many other areas. I rest in Christ’s sanctifying work of GRACE and remain in awe of HIS patience and unconditional love for me.
2 comments:
As far as how God has convicted ME on this? I look at 1 Corinthians 10:31. "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
Like others have said, it all comes down to motive. God's glory is supposed to be at the heart of all we do and that includes whether or not we drink alcohol. Personally, the Lord has convicted me that if I were to, even seldomly, drink alcohol, I would do it for my own glory. Therefore, I chose not to drink. I would never push this personal conviction onto someone else, but I would lovingly/gently challenge them to examine their motives. :) :)
Great word, KC...really great point! I agree :)
ALL for HIS GLORY,
stacey
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