Some thoughts for the New Year...

Greetings everyone! I hope you have had some wonderful time with family and friends to reflect on God's gift to sinful mankind of a Savior who is Christ the Lord. As we approach the final days of 2009, no doubt many of us are gearing up for one New Years party or another. This brought to the forefront of my mind a familiar question, the discussion of which is very prevalent this time of year. "Is it alright for a Christian to drink?"

I know that I probably have readers on both sides of the issue, and I'm not interested in stirring up a long and heated debate that won't get us anywhere, but I think it is important to look at our lives in the context of God's word and seek to align them with it.

Paul wrote "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Cor 10:31 As Christians, we are Priests and Kings "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (Rev. 1:5-6)

I think in light of this passage, the admonition of Lemuel's mother in Proverbs 31 is worth our consideration. "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted." (Proverbs 31:4-5)

I believe that the best best course of action is to abstain from any alcoholic beverages for the above reasons as well as a few more:

1) Because I drive my wheelchair everywhere I could get a DUI at any time.
2) I might become an alcoholic
3) Even if I could "handle it," my brother to whom I am an example to might not be able to do so. Work at the mission has given me a front row (sometimes downright scary) look at what can happen after "just one" drink.
4) There's plenty else to choose from.

I can't tell you what to do, but I think instead of asking "Can we..." we should ask "Is this bringing Honor to the One whom I serve?"

As I close, I want to leave you with this parting thought. 2009 is almost history and 2010 is just around the corner. How will you approach the coming year? I hope you will join me in echoing the prayer of the song writer Frances R. Havergal.

"Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee."

God bless you in 2010!

Speaking4Him,

Andrew