Beech Tree News Network

The subject of alcohol sales in Butler County is now on the minds of several of her citizens. Some claim that selling alcohol will result in Butler County getting better. Perhaps alcohol sales would provide a financial boost for businesses in the area, but is this going to be our standard for making people better?

    From a Biblical standpoint, drinking alcohol is condemned. In I Peter 4:3, we read, “For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries” In this verse (KJV), we see three words used to describe various mental states connected with alcohol use: “excess of wine,” “revellings,” and “banquetings.” What do these words mean?

    “Excess of wine” means what we think it means. This is the falling-down drunk, the man or woman passed out in the gutter, lying in their own vomit, etc. This is what is warned about in Proverbs 23:33-35. Drunkenness is also condemned in Galatians 5:21. Sometimes, folks say God does not mind if you drink alcohol, just don’t get drunk. Is this what is taught in I Peter 4:3? No, because He talks about other states of intoxication.

    “Revellings” is another description of someone who has been drinking. This person is not passed out, but has drunk enough alcohol to have no inhibitions. This is the one who is “10 feet tall and bulletproof.” This stage of drunkenness is also condemned by God in I Peter 4:3 and Galatians 5:21. Such “revellings” or “carousings” are described and condemned by God in Proverbs 23:29-30, 33.

    “Banquetings” refer to “social drinking”. Going out for “cocktails”, the “after-supper” drink, etc. This is the one looking on the “wine when it is red … when it goes down smoothly” (Prov 23:31). This person is the one portrayed in ads for alcohol, where the “sophisticated” friends get together to visit and laugh. “We must have our alcohol (wine, six-pack, etc.) so we can have a good time!” Though man tries to distinguish between the passed-out drunk and the “sophisticated party,” God places them in the same category.

    Friends, how can selling and consuming what God condemns make us better?

    God wants us to be sober-minded (I Pet. 5:8; I Thess. 5:6-8). The term “sober” is found 12 times in the New Testament! Yet, alcohol consumption does not produce the sober mind God wants. Some may say they can drink “one or two” but not “get drunk.” Friend, just one drink affects our brain functions. Ask any doctor about it. Our doctors and others know from testing what God has already revealed in Scripture. How can selling a substance for consumption that reduces brain function make us better as a county?

    Can Butler County be better? Absolutely! There is always room for improvement in any society. However, legalizing something that God condemns will not make us a better people.

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167