Drinking is
another practice which has become accepted in some circles of
Christadelphia today. It is not uncommon for liquor to be served
at weddings, or for brethren to drink openly and socially with
each other -- something which was not done even a generation
ago.
Jesus issued a specific warning to saints of the last days when he
spoke of the dangers they would face: "And take heed to yourselves,
lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (gluttony),
and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon
you unawares ... watch ye therefore and pray always" (Lk. 21:34-36).
'Wining and dining' is widespread and, in its present proportions,
a peculiarity of our age.
Drinking reduces one's power of thinking. How can one "watch" with
a dull mind? Business can take a brother to luncheons where drink
is served. There is the temptation to partake in order to be sociable.
In such circumstances, a brother should firmly, but politely, make
his position known from the outset.
Habitual drinking can lead to one becoming an alcoholic and even brethren
have been caught in the stranglehold of alcohol. This fact should
be a warning to us to refrain. We might think that we are strong and
have this matter under control, but the day could come when it controls
us. No alcoholic would ev er
have believed, when he took his first drink, that he would become
addicted. Consider Paul's warnings: "Be not deceived; neither
fornicators . . . nor drunkards . . . shall inherit the kingdom of
God" (I Cor. 6:9, 10); and again: "Let us walk honestly
("decently" - margin), as in the day; not in rioting and
drunkenness" (Rom. 13:13).
FASHION
AND DRESS
|