...drinking alcohol.
I didn’t just recently give it up—it’s been a few years since I was what most would call “a regular drinker,” having outings with friends or movie nights at home. But things have changed since then. I started drinking less and less, at first for health reasons, then for spiritual health reasons. I learned from the Word of God that drinking is sinful and can lead to all kinds of situations you might find yourself regretting later.
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” — Ephesians 5:18
I’ve been drunk a lot in my younger days, especially during the time I lived in California. I even worked in a bar. It was an entire culture: drinking, fornication, drugs. I have to tell you, I participated in all three back then (fornication with just one person, not many, and I married that person a few years later). Still, this doesn’t excuse the fact that I found myself lost in a lifestyle the world said was normal for someone my age.
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death.” — Proverbs 14:12
But that wasn’t always the case. Before California, I was about as prude as a woman could be. And after that experience, God seemed to have reverted me back to my original state—or as close to that as I can be now that I am older and wiser. I’m still young enough to take a different path, and so I did. God made a way for me to do so, and I’m so grateful to Him because I wasn’t happy living that life.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
I was waiting for the day I could settle down, have a family of my own, and be a housewife and mother. But that day never came, even after marriage. I was alone—in a foreign country—still drinking. My “husband” was one of the individuals who encouraged it for years, because it was of his own culture apparently. So I continued, and it became an everyday habit pretty much. Only then, I wasn’t doing it to have fun but to console my sadness and loneliness. I didn’t have anyone who cared about me, even though I was married. I was lost in translation and left to my own vices.
Once returning to the USA, my home country, I had to learn bit by bit how to find the person I used to be. God was patient with me. There were many ups and downs, challenges, and distractions that hindered my progress, but I made it!
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” — Psalm 103:8
Even with a little relapse (I had a drink about a month ago at home), I didn’t process it the same. I felt convicted, saddened, and worst of all, separated from God. In His Word, it clearly states:
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who have sex with men, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” — 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
I don’t want to miss out on an eternity with God over a drink that, in reality, is self-induced poison. Not only that, but alcohol is tied to something spiritual. Have you ever noticed that at liquor stores or in grocery aisles, it says “wine and spirits”? They’re trying to inform you, even if it’s subtle and normalized in today’s society.
I’ve heard so many horror stories about people who drank, blacked out, and woke up in bed with a stranger—or worse. I’m not writing this to tell you not to drink. That is your choice. But I’m just sharing my experience. Some people claim drinking is a part of their national culture, but I beg to differ. It’s a personal preference, just like it once was for me.
Then, I suddenly realized it just wasn’t worth it anymore. I wanted to live a completely sober life. I wanted to make my choices based on real thoughtfulness and empathy. The only way I can do that is to have a mind that isn’t tainted or influenced by any substance.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8
I’m pleased with my choice. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. And I thank God for that because I couldn’t have done it without Him.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
And I did just that and am a much better version of myself because of it. When I am lonely, I call on the name of the Lord, and He never fails to keep me company or send it my way.
Thanks for reading today. I pray this message encourages you. Even if you feel addicted to an unhealthy habit, it’s never too late to change that; and find a way out. If that sounds like you, I pray that you allow God to work on you. You’ll be surprised at the miracles He can perform in your life, just as He did with mine and is still doing.
As usual:
I pray many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many blessings over you!
xxxooox
Rosalyn Rose