““They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?””
This verse reinforces what is already pretty obvious to those of us who have been around a drunk person – they are pretty worthless. As God’s creation they hold incalculable value but at the moment of drunkness their ability to function or contribute to life is missing. Conversely they are actually a detriment or danger to those who come into contact with them. One third of all traffic accidents and fatalities are the result of drunk drivers. These are totally preventable. 30% of all assaults and 75% of college age sexual assaults are done by people under the influence of alcohol. I do not want this to be an anti-drinking devotion but Solomon clearly makes the point that alcohol abuse is foolish and a waste of a person’s life. The further point is that those people can victimize the innocent they encounter as well. We also see his point that any behavior that controls us can be addictive and replace the Holy Spirit guiding and leading us to walk as representatives of the Kingdom of God. Not only are we then a waste for His call in our life when we live under the control of anything other than His Spirit we are even dangerous to the lost and dying world. Today walk only in His power and control. #BeTheEdge
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,” Ephesians 5:18 NIV
