Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- January 12, 2011
“Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent.” Genesis 9:20-21
What starts out as an innocent drink for relaxation can grow into an uninhibited attitude that leaves behind shame and regret. The conscience grows numb under the influence of too much alcohol. Noah who had stayed sober in drunken company was now drunk in sober company. What guidelines do you have in place to not drift into this embarrassing behavior? In a moment of exhilaration or despair we can live to regret a drunken display.
“They grope in darkness with no light; he makes them stagger like drunkards” (Job 12:25). There is nothing appealing about a man or woman who loses their senses.
Yes, one consequence of drunkenness is shame—the feeling of embarrassment, humiliation, dishonor and disgrace. A lifetime of faithfulness to the Lord can be soiled and even suffer a character court martial in one irresponsible evening. Is an immature public display worth its consequences? We’ll feel naked and exposed before a holy God and those whom we admire. People will say and do things when they are drunk that would cause them to blush when sober. Drinking requires constraint by Christ’s wise grace.
Thankfully, shame from sin can be caught quickly and put into check with confession and repentance, or it can linger on seemly justified by irrational arguments. Indeed, we can be grateful for the Holy Spirit’s conviction and for the accountability of those who love us. After all, it’s those who know us the best that we want to respect us the most.
Intoxication from the Holy Spirit is a sure remedy for resistance from other unseemly sources. A heart and mind full of God’s Spirit has no room for shenanigans and rigmarole that brings remorse to the soul. Yes, the Lord’s desire is for us to remain sober minded, not thinking more highly or lowly of ourselves, but in accordance with His ample grace.
“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming” (1 Peter 1:13).
What are my guidelines for accountability partners to protect me from shameful actions?
Related Readings: 1 Samuel 25:37; Romans 12:3; Ephesians 5:15-20; 1 Peter 4:7; 5:8
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In Christ,
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