Alcohol - Part 2

Here’s a topic to jump start your family discussion – alcohol. In the USA we have laws that set boundaries … age 21. Alcohol is not evil, but when abused it causes great evil. Concentrating this reflection on the drinking venue I want to address the biblical issue of weaker brother as introduced in Romans 14:21, "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall."   The weaker brother principle is not an issue of RIGHTS but one of honoring, encouraging and building up of the body of Christ. Crazy isn’t it that we have such an impact in the lives of others – Christian and non-Christian.
 
I have always appreciated the statement by Saint Augustine, “In the essentials – unity; in the nonessentials – liberty; in all things – love.” As Christ-followers we have been called to love God and love others. Do you love (brotherly love) to the extent of denying some of your liberties / freedoms so that it does not cause another person to stumble, weaken or even sin? 
 
Integrity includes the base word ‘to integrate.’ How well are we able to integrate our disciplines into our public and social lives by honoring others? This is not designed for us to become spiritually puffed up or legalistic, rather to genuinely live out the high calling of giving preference to one another (Philippians 2:1-4). This kind of honoring is unusual. This kind of discipline is sacrificial. This kind of modeling changes lives.
 
Alcohol at and in your home can possibly become a gateway for trouble, dependence and death to youth. Your family business is your family’s business. May I suggest that the rules and disciplines you live out at home will absolutely transfer into the streets, schools and social settings. 
 
Thank goodness for the FREEDOMS we have in Christ Jesus. He died to set us free.
 

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Camper Corner
 
Alcohol is all around you. This battlefield is tough and can be deadly. Think ahead of time how you will respond when asked (by your peers) to break the law by drinking at a party, in a car or just for fun. Don’t kid yourself, it will happen. Popularity seems so important but its cost, due to bad decisions, can lead to violent addictions and too often finds teenagers dead from car wrecks. You are responsible for your actions. Think hard, pray daily and choose wisely.