Why do you think so many people…even Christian people…have a problem with alcohol abuse? The answer, I believe, lies in the deceptive nature of alcohol addiction and how we let that sin into our lives in the first place. Just like any sin, drinking is a habit that starts innocently enough, but only leads to pain if carried too far. The truth is, people often use alcohol as a diversion to make themselves feel better. But make no mistake, the high they feel always goes away at some point and only leaves them with a deep sense of shame and regret the next day. The Bible specifically tells us to avoid drunkenness because of its deceptive influence in our lives. Proverbs 20:1 says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Therefore, we cannot drink to excess and believe that we ever have control of what we’re doing or saying. Not only are we handing the reigns of our mind and actions over to the alcoholic influence, but we’re masking the deeper issues of our lives, which can be very harmful to us. Some may think it’s okay to drown their problems with a few drinks. But, the fact is, no amount of liquor will ever ease the pain of loneliness or rejection they feel. Only trusting in God will bring them the ever-lasting peace and comfort their heart longs for. He is the true source of our joy and will satisfy us more than any drug or drink could ever do.
So, what’s the best way to avoid abusing alcohol? Scripture says to stay away from the temptation in the first place. Jesus was continually warning His disciples about temptation. Matthew 26:40-41 says:
“Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter. ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The
spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’”
Luke 22:39 says: “Pray that you don’t give in to temptation.”
And, Matthew 6:13 says: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Remember, the enemy only wants to dangle the bait of sin above you, hoping you’ll nibble a little here and there and get hooked. There’s nothing better to him than when we stray from God and follow the desires of our own flesh. Drinking is an easy trap to fall into, especially when we open ourselves up to temptation. The key is, learning to lean on the Word of God and avoiding the enemy’s bait by fixing our gaze on Jesus. A Christ focused life is our best defense against giving in to our sin nature.
Keep your eyes on Him. Rest in His goodness and power. And find peace in the safety of His presence. “Look straight ahead; don’t even turn your head to look. Watch your step. Stick to the path and be safe”(Proverbs 4:25-26).
Pray this prayer: Dear Lord. I thank you that you fill my heart with your goodness and that there’s no addiction that can satisfy me more than having you in my life. Help me to avoid the temptation to abuse alcohol and other drugs. Keep my heart pure, so that I can serve you with passion and never fall into the trap of the enemy. I love you Lord. Thank you for always loving me. Amen.