It was not a surprise for me when some of my neighboring young friends told me that there is nothing wrong in taking alcohol since God has allowed it. They quoted so many instances from the Holy Bible for their evidence. I remembered how Satan quoted the holy book for his selfish purpose. Drinking alcohol has become the most dangerous evil of the modern commercialized societies. In Tamil there is a saying that says, “Alcohol destroys the whole family.”
JUST FOR FUN
God wants us to be happy. He has given everything for our happiness. Doesn't God want young people to have fun for sometime? Sure, God tells us to enjoy things of the earth for our benefit and wellbeing. We are allowed to use things that don't cause pain to us or others in any way. He wants the young people to enjoy their youth in a way that it shouldn't harm their proper growth. The youth are excited in learning and doing new things and spending their time with others who share good values as well as knowledge of God since this knowledge will be the key to getting the most out of life. (Psalm 5:11) God also encourages us to enjoy our holidays or Sabbath days as days of glorifying Him. (Isaiah 58:13)
Drinking starts as a fun! We say, “I just had a sip of it!” and slowly circumstances force us to have more and more. Then it comes to a hopeless stage which makes us feel even more stuck than we were before.
PEER PRESSURE
Most of our youngsters are trapped by their peer pressure which they are unable to avoid. Learning to resist pressure to do what is wrong is an important part of being a Christian. The book of Proverb advises our youngsters, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent” (Proverb 1:10)
One way to resist negative peer pressure is to spend time with people who don't tempt us to sin. It is said, “Don't keep company with a drunkard.”(1 Corinth 5:11)
ALCOHOL IN MODERATION
Alcohol with moderation can yield some good results. But care must be taken that it should be treated as medicine and not lead to intoxication. There is nothing wrong in using it with moderation. God permits the use of alcohol in moderation (Romans 13:1, Judges 9:13). We should be aware of the legal issues also. Moderation means using it in good sense so as to not come close to becoming drunk. Drunkenness is a sin that can keep a person out of God's Kingdom.
OTHERS USE IT- WHY NOT I?
Many times we are tempted by majority. Majority doesn't mean to take it granted as a right one. Drinks whether it is coffee, tea or anything, is addictive and can do harm to our body and mind. By constant use it is fixed in our brain as a habit. A careful person will not take the chance of getting hooked giving preference to other things than God.
Godly fun is fun as long as we are using it with our conscience for the good of our self and others. Godly fun is always in harmony with God given laws which can keep us without any regret. God has given us things not to harm in any way. Let's be conscious about it and make good use of it to be good examples to others!
