God views it as such and has strong words for idol worshipers (Exodus 20:3 34:14 1 John 5:21 1 Corinthians 12:2). When we rely on ourselves, someone else, or something else to meet our needs for value, worth, or significance, we have erected an idol that takes the place of the real God in our lives. Anything we are using besides God to meet or medicate deep heart needs is an idol. So drunkenness for a Christian is never an option on any occasion because there is no occasion when we should not be walking in the Spirit.Īlcoholism is a form of idolatry, as is any addiction. As Christians, we are to always “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16, 25 Romans 8:1, 14). When we choose one, we eliminate the influence of the other. It is saying that if we want to be controlled by the Spirit of God we cannot also be controlled by alcohol. Proverbs 20:1 says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.” Ephesians 5:18 says, “Do not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Holy Spirit.” It is interesting that this verse contrasts the power of alcohol with the power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is clear that drunkenness is sin (Isaiah 5:11 Proverbs 23:20–21 Habakkuk 2:15). The right response is to view people as God sees them and agree with Him that we are all sinners in need of saving. It is easy to pass judgment on someone who is falling-down drunk, while secretly excusing sins of the heart that God considers equally repulsive. It often equates the sin of drunkenness with sins we would consider “less important,” such as envy and selfish ambition (Galatians 5:19 1 Corinthians 6:10). However, the Bible makes no such distinctions. Because its effects are obvious, drunkenness can appear to be a worse sin than others. Alcoholism is just one of many addictions that can take control of someone’s life.
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