Alcohol-Have You Counted the Cost?
“Who hath woe? Who hath sorrow? Who hath contentions? Who hath babbling? Who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder” (Proverbs 23:29-32).
The Bible portrays a very true picture of the results of using alcohol. Woe, sorrow, babbling, and wounds are part of that picture. Much more could be added to the list of woes of those who tarry at the wine.
Many respectable people have become degraded through the use of alcohol. It has brought about the abusing of their families, stealing, murdering, and unfaithfulness to marriage vows.
Many young husbands and wives look forward to a life of companionship and trust, only to have alcohol shatter the possibilities of a happy life.
Complete text of: Alcohol-Have You Counted the Cost?
Alas, that first drink was carelessly and casually taken. Too little thought was given to the future. As time went on, more and more alcohol was needed to alleviate the unending stresses and pressures of life. Misunderstandings, arguments, and feelings of not being appreciated became more frequent until hope for anything better disappeared. Alcohol became a crutch to get through these problems. Money that the family needed in the home was spent for drink and was gone. To find time together as a family appeared impossible. Finally, it seemed alcohol became the only answer to the many problems. It temporarily blurred or blocked out the worries and frustrations of life. But with the return of sobriety, the problems just multiplied along with the desire for another drink. The user of alcohol has been captured by it and become its servant, wounding himself and others. He seems to be on an endless treadmill—without any hope. But wait! There is hope and an answer for that terrible thirst.
Jesus Is the Answer
Jesus offers water that satisfies the thirst of man. In Jesus’ day He met a woman who had come to a well for water. He told her He could give her water that would satisfy her, and she would never thirst again. Every soul of man thirsts for this satisfying water, for it heals the soul. (John 4:5-26)
God has a beautiful way. He says: “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely” (Revelation 21:6). Jesus is that living fountain. Come to Him just as you are. Tell Him that you are unable to help yourself. Tell Him that you now realize that it will take Him to deliver you from the devastating grip of alcohol. You know from past experience that willpower alone is not enough to overcome this intense temptation.
Come to God as a sinner and repent of your selfish and sinful life. Believe that God will have a way for you. You will find the grace to totally surrender to Him. The blood of Jesus Christ will wash away your sins and you can receive the promise found in Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” When God forgives, He does not leave us empty but fills our hearts with love and grace.
When the love of God has filled your heart, a deep satisfaction and contentment will come over you. You will be his child. Your spirit will be free and open, and you will have an assurance of salvation. You will know one to whom you can go in confidence when tests and difficulties come. As your spiritual thirst is satisfied, there will be strength to deal with the desire and craving for alcohol. The wounds can be healed, and the scars that remain will serve to remind you of God’s marvelous grace. Won’t you come and drink of that living water? “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).
Support and Fellowship of God’s People
It is very important to continue to seek God’s will in other areas of your life. God’s church is a haven where you can find fellowship and support in the trying times that will surely come. God would like to replace the unwholesome comradeship of the past life with a new companionship. The fellowship of God’s people will help you to find direction for the future and support when temptations assail you.
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:1-6).