We have all heard the common expressions about opinions.  “Everybody’s got one.”  “You are entitled to your opinion.”  “If I want your opinion, I will ask for it.”  And the sharp rebuke that asks:  “Who asked for your opinion?”       

What is an opinion?  One definition is:  “a personal view, attitude, or appraisal.”  Another definition of opinion is:  “a belief that rests of grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty.”  Notice two things about opinions that we learn from these definitions.  First, they are personal.  In other words, not all people my hold to my opinion about something.  Second, opinions might be grounded in certainty and fact, but they can also rest on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty.  In this article, let’s begin a brief study of opinions.

First, we can hold opinions in some areas and whether we are right or wrong does not matter.  Which car is the best to drive?  Which football team is best in the nation?  Where is the best place to live in the nation?  Which perfume smells the best?  Which surgeon is the best?  The answers to these questions do not really matter.  Hundreds and hundreds of differing opinions are held by man people on these issues.  Ultimately, it really doesn’t matter who smells the best.

Second, there are times when opinions are based upon uncertainty.  Perhaps the person has not formally studied the issue about which he has an opinion.  President Kennedy once said:  “Too often we…enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.” Our view may come from hearsay information.  With access to so many media outlets today, this is an easy danger. Many of us have adopted opinions that are held by our culture and heritage.  Maybe a person has some information but has not gathered all of the facts.  This is the case with many atheists.  It may be that we hold to an opinion just because we want the opinion to be true.  This was the way the Jews behaved in the first century.  They rejected the Christ just because they did not want to believe He was the Messiah.

When opinions are based upon uncertainty, we need to do several things.  We need to acknowledge that this a belief that is not grounded in absolutes.  We need to make certain that we do not force this opinion on others.  We definitely should not make this opinion a test of friendship or fellowship on another person.  We need to be willing to set aside the opinion if facts come along that negate what we hold dear.  We should do some homework with regard to our opinion.  Some hold opinions that others know are not based in fact.  Those who hold to false opinions look foolish to those who have studied the matters.

Third, there are some issues involving opinions that spark some very evil emotions.  The reason emotions run high is because individuals are convinced that their well-being is at stake.  Politics and religion are the two main areas that cause heated disagreements over opinions.  Politics involve our personal well-being.  Religion involves our spiritual well-being.  People have argued, fought, divided, and killed over political and religious opinions.  In society today, many simply avoid these two areas of discussion.  At the Thanksgiving table, mom will often say:  “There are two things we will not discuss at this table, religion and politics.”

Fourth, opinions should never be allowed to give precedence to the Word of God.  Jesus said the Word of God is truth.  “Sanctify them through thy truth:  thy word is truth” (John 17:17).  When God’s Word sets for the truth on an issue, we must set aside our opinions and accept God’s divine revelation.  Solomon wrote:  “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Prov. 3:5).  In Proverbs 28:26, the wise writer stated:  “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool…”

Many are of the opinion that baptism does not save.  Jesus, however, says that is does.  “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…” (Mark 16:16).  Individuals need to set their opinions aside and accept the words of Jesus Christ.  Some are of the opinion that man can be saved by faith only.  The inspired James reveals that this is not the truth.  “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24).  Again, man’s opinion needs to give way to the authority of Holy Writ.  Many more examples could be given where the thoughts of man have been accepted over the plain teachings of God’s inspired Word.

Fifth, we must be careful not to elevate our opinions to the level of the Word of God.  Playing face cards is not a sin as some people believe.  All shorts are not sinful to be worn.  A person is not disrespecting God is he fails to use “thee’s” and “thou’s.”  It is not an evil act to eat food in the church building.  It is not a forbidden act to have a blood transfusion.  These are opinions that some have held as if they were the Word of God.  This was one the sins of the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day.  They sought to bind their opinions upon others as if they were equal to divine truth (Ex., Matt. 15:16-20).

Sixth, sadly we have entered into a time in the history of our nations wherein some people not entitled to an opinion.  If you hold a particular opinion, you will be threatened or harmed.  If you hold a certain opinion, others will try to get your free speak rights taken from you.  If you hold to a specific belief you will shunned, persecuted, hurt, and, possibly, killed.  Some applaud those who attack others with a differing opinion.  Those who do so should be very careful.  One day, they may hold the opinion that is not tolerated by others.

Yes, everyone has his/her opinion.  We need to express our opinions with caution.  We need to change our opinions when they do not conform to the facts.  We do not need to force our opinions on others.  We certainly do not need to make our opinions equal to the Word of God.  And, when our opinions clash with God’s Word, we should joyfully give them up and accept the truth.  Lastly, we should never bring any harm to another who does not agree with our opinions.

The ant is mentioned only two times in the Bible.  Both references are found in the book of Proverbs (Prov. 6:6; 30:25).  This small creature, and, its seemingly insignificant mention in Scripture, however, provide gigantic lessons for human beings.

            The wise Solomon presents the ant to the sluggard in Proverbs 6:6-8.  He writes:  “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:  which having no guide, overseer or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”  The sluggard is the “sluggish” and “lazy” individual.  Other words used to describe the sluggard are slouch, indolent, bum, loafer, good-for-nothing, slug, and couch-potato.  The sluggard can learn much from an insect that can be a pest to human beings.  Solomon counsels the sluggard to consider the ant’s ways, “and be wise.” 

            First, he notes that the ant does not have to be supervised.  He has no guide, overseer, or ruler.  The ant is self-motivated.  He does not have to be told what to do.  He does not have to have his actions monitored by a manager.  He does not have to be held accountable by someone higher up.  In our society today, there are many people who are not “self-propelled.”  They have to be told what to do.  They have to have someone constantly prodding them along to get something done.  If they are not told precisely what to do, they will do nothing.  When Paul addressed Christians who were slaves in the first century, he exhorted them not to be “menpleasers,” that is, those who worked only when strictly supervised.  Here are his instructions:  “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:  and whatsoever ye do, to it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance:  for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:22-24).  All Christians should work heartily in every service they render.  It should not matter whether they are supervised or not.  They know that they are working for another who is higher up the hierarchal structure than their boss.  They are working for Jesus Christ. 

            Second, the ant works hard.  Solomon uses two words to describe the ant’s labors, “provideth” and “gathereth.”  Most of us have seen ants hard at work.  They are constantly “on the go.”  They do not take a break.  They do not sleep on the couch for hours at a time.  They do not sleep in.  They provide and gather.  This is how all Christians should work.  There are several illustrations of hard workers in the Bible.  Jacob worked hard for Laban.  He reviewed his years of work for his father-in-law in Genesis 31:38-41.  “This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.  That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.  Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.  Thus, have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle:  and thou hast changed by wages ten times.”  As we read these words, we feel the burden of Jacob’s work.  It was difficult.  It was sacrificial.  It was unfair.  Yet, none of these deterred him.  He always put forth the necessary effort that made him a valuable employee.  We should all try to resemble Jacob in our labors.  Even when our work is hard and our boss is unreasonable and inequitable, we need to keep putting our best foot forward.

            Third, the ant does not have to rely on others for support.  The ant provides “her meat.”  The ant provides “her food.”  She does not have to have someone else provide for her.  She does not feel entitled to the profits of another.  She does not believe that others owe her something.  One of the things the Bible stresses is self-sufficiency.  Paul taught this to the church in Thessalonica.  “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing”(I Thess. 4:11-12).  In his second letter to this same church, he continued to exhort them to provide for themselves.  “For even when were with you, this we commanded you, that is any would not work, neither should he eat.  For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.  Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work and eat their own bread” (II Thess. 3:10-12).  Paul did not just preach these words.  He practiced what he preached.  In I Thessalonians 2:9, he reminded the church of his labors among them.  “For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail:  for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.”  All Christians need to take responsibility for caring for themselves.  God does not authorize those who are strong and healthy to be partakers of welfare.  No, he teaches the strong and healthy to work and support themselves. 

            An ant is a very little creature.  However, he is able to teach us profound lessons.  He teaches us to work unsupervised.  He teaches us to labor diligently.  He teaches us to be self-sufficient.  Our present society needs a good dose of the “ant work ethic.”  May we as Christians never be grouped among the sluggards of the world.  May all who know us compliment us for working as hard as an ant.

Paul entered into the city of Athens alone.  It was the capital city of Greece.  The temple of Athena was there.  The city was given to idolatry.  Athens was the seat of learning as well.  The wise men and philosophers gathered in the agora, the marketplace, to discuss ideas, concepts, and various doctrines. 

            Acts 17:16-20 tells of the events that led up to Paul’s sermon on Mars’ Hill.  “Now while Paul waited for them in Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.  Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.  Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him.  And some said, What will this babbler say?  other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods:  because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.  And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?  For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears:  we would know therefore what these things mean.  (For all Athenians, and the strangers which were there, spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.)”

            The Athenians loved the new, the novel, the different, the strange, and the mysterious.  Luke’s narrative tells us that they “spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.”  The Athenian citizens were captivated by “the different.”  Fortunately, this allowed Paul to speak to them about the Christ and His resurrection.  It also enabled him to stand before this curious crowd and proclaim unto them the UKNOWN GOD.  Unfortunately, these men did not have hearts that were honest and good (Luke 8:15).  They were simply captivated by the odd and unusual.  When Paul focused in on the resurrection, their attitudes changed.  “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked:  and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter” (Acts 17:32).

            Many individuals are much like the Athenians.  They are captivated by “the different.”  People get tired of the same, the common, and the usual.  In time, they cease to listen even if the things proclaimed are true, important, needed, and eternal.  This is one reason why false teachers are able to make an impact upon Christians.  Their teachings are new and innovative.  They are presented in exciting and simple ways.  Many times, they tickle the ears of the audience.  Those listening “ooh” and “aw” over the false teacher.  They treat him like the Athenians did Paul, saying:  “May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest is?  For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears:  we would know therefore what these things mean.”  Before long, they embrace the error.  They begin to proclaim it as zealously as the false teacher did.

            All of us need to be very careful about quickly embracing the new and novel.  It may sound good.  It may appeal to our senses.  The question that we need to ask, however, is:  “Is this true to God’s Word?”  Sometimes it is just pop psychology.  Sometimes it is just motivational jargon.  Sometimes it is just a bunch of stories and illustrations.  Sometimes it is just the opinions of men.  We may enjoy it.  We may feel good listening to it.  But, there are times when it lacks the precious Word of God.  If the Word of God is not there, the soul will never be nourished.  We feel good, but we are spiritually malnourished.  If that continues for a long period of time, we will eventually grow weak.  Our spiritual weakness can lead to spiritual death.        

            Audiences need to listen closely to the things that individuals teach them.  Jesus exhorts us, saying:  “Take heed what ye hear” (Mark 4:24).  The “what” matters.  Paul told Timothy to “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2).  This same apostle told another young evangelist to speak “the things which become sound doctrine” (Tit. 2:1).  Peter’s counsel aligns with the words of Paul.  He writes:  “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God…” (1 Pet. 4:11).  Remember, if it is not God’s Word that is being proclaimed, it will not do our spiritual man any good.

            True men of God know that it is vital for God’s message to be spoken.  Paul told the church at Corinth:  “And I brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom declaring unto you the testimony of God.  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and power:  that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Cor. 2;4-5).  One of the problems facing the church in Colossae involved their being led astray by the wisdom and commandments of men (Col. 2:22).  Paul, therefore, warned the church, saying:  “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Col. 2:8). 

            Satan knows that “the different” is tempting.  He knows that men will listen to “the different.”  He knows that men will give “the different” some time and tolerance.  He knows that people will often change the tried and true for “the different.”  He knows “the different” will be defended vigorously by some individuals just because it is different.  “The different” caught the first couple off guard.  Before they knew it, they were in sin, living in a cursed world, and were cast forth from their precious home in the Garden of Eden.  “The different” is not always better.  If “the different” is a different gospel, we should keep Paul’s words to the churches of Galatia in mind.  “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8-9).

The statement that entitles this article was heard often when this writer was growing up.  Women were entering the workplace and leaving the home.  This left them with less time to take care of the household responsibilities.  Thus, maids (house cleaners) were hired.  It wasn’t long before maids learned that their employers wanted them to do all kinds of chores around the house, including cleaning windows.  This was a laborious task that the maid did not want to do.  She quickly learned that when she was interviewing for a new job to tell her employer:  “I don’t do windows.”  In the movie, “Mrs. Doubtfire,” there is a play upon this concept when a maid was being hired.  This maid, however, had a laundry list of things that she would not do.

               This attitude seems to be prevalent among many Christians.  As children of God, we have been called to be servants.  Jesus set the standard of servanthood while in the upper room with His disciples.  “He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel,      and girded himself.  After that he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel where-with he was girded….So after he had washed their feet, and had taken         his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?  Ye call me Master and Lord:  and ye say well; for so              I am.  If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.  The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.  If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:4-17).  Jesus, the Master, did to His disciples what they should have done to one another.  Humbly, He took the lowly position of a servant and washed each of their feet.  He, then, exhorted His apostles to do as He had done to them, that is, serve in any lowly capacity needed.

               As a member of the body of Christ, one quickly learns that there are multitudes of tasks that need to be done.  Many Christians, however, do not enjoy some of these tasks.  They cost a lot of time.  They do not always bring a rush of positive emotions.  Some of them can be difficult and laborious.  They do not put wealth into the pocketbook.  There is often little gratitude expressed for a job well done.  Occasionally, there may be some expense involved.  And, occasionally, there will someone who complains about the efforts that have been put forth.  For these and other reasons, Christians have developed their own lists of things they will not do.  They have become much like the maids who don’t do windows.

               There are some Christians who don’t do Sunday morning Bible class.  Commonly, those who don’t do Bible class involve ¼ to 1/3 of the members of the local congregation.  They do not want to lose one hour of sleep on their day off.  They do not want to have to sit through a 45-minute class listening to a subject that doesn’t interest them.  They get irritated when the teacher stresses lessons that are “too close to home.”  It upsets them when some obnoxious brother or sister continually tries to teach class from their seat.  Thus, they just don’t do Bible class.

               Those who don’t do Bible class need to consider at least two verses from the Bible.  One involves the words of our Lord.  “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).  The other comes from the pen of the apostle Peter.  “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (I Peter 2:2).  These verses teach us the importance of God’s Word in our lives, and our responsibility to desire the Word with great intensity.  Most brethren who refuse to come to Bible class are poor students of the Word at home as well.  Dear readers, it is imperative that we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Peter 3:18).  Bible classes afford us an opportunity to grow and mature.

               There are others in the Lord’s body who don’t do Sunday evening worship services.  In some congregations, this number consists of half the membership.  This group reasons that the Sunday evening service is not commanded by God, therefore, they are under no obligation to attend.  Apparently, they have better things to do with their time on the Lord’s Day.  Worshipping God two times in one day is just too much.  They see no spiritual benefit in assembling with the saints for a second period of worship to God.

               The problem these individuals have is addressed by Jesus in Matthew 15:8.  “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”  The Lord’s Day is really only the Lord’s hour to these disciples.  Gladness does not fill their heart when it is said:  “Let us go up to the house of the Lord” (Ps. 122:1).  Spiritual food and rich fellowship does not energize these individuals.  Gratitude does not fill their soul, compelling them to bow before their Redeemer at every opportunity.  No, their hearts are far from God.  These brethren would be wise to consider the counsel of Hebrews 3:12:  “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.”

               A third group in many congregations are those who don’t do any programs of the church.  These individuals are never part of a visitation team or involvement group.  The ladies of this group will never attend a ladies’ class or ladies’ day.  The men refuse to go to the men’s breakfast and men’s Bible study group.  They are absent when work days are scheduled.  They are not to be seen when door-knocking campaigns are conducted.  Workshops and seminars are a “no-no” to them.  They never stay for fellowship meals.  They have never attended a wedding, a shower, or a funeral involving one of their brothers or sisters in Christ.  The hospitals and nursing homes are off limits to them.  All these things are too demanding.  Their hectic schedules and busy lives will not allow such religious activity.

               This group has failed to realize that we have been called to be laborers in the Lord’s vineyard.  “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard” (Matt. 20:1).  The requirement of a laborer is that he works.  The programs and activities of the church help the Christian to fulfill his obligation to work in the vineyard.  Church programs help us to discipline our time to accomplish some of the things God desires of us.  When understood in this light, participating in events and programs should bring us great joy.  The Lord wants us to always be doing.  “And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise servant, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.  Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath” (Luke 12:42-44).

               A maid might have the luxury of setting the guidelines of her job.  A Christian, on the other hand, does not.  When a person obeys the gospel of Christ, he submits himself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  He becomes a bondservant.  The Lord’s will is now his will.  He does not question.  He does not complain.  He does not rationalize and justify his lack of service.  He does not “beg off” his duties.  He does not sit idly on the sidelines.  His life is fully engaged in the Lord’s will until He comes.  “Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Luke 12:43).

  “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging:  and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Prov. 22:1).  There are four elements of this verse that need to be considered by all:  The Drinks, The Dangers, The Deception, and The Deceived.

          Let’s begin by briefly examining “The Drinks.”  The drinks under consideration are referred to as “wine” (yayin) and “strong drink” (shekir).  Both of these drinks were beverages that contain alcohol.  This is very clear from the context.  Wine was less intoxicating than strong drink.  It shows that in Old Testament times intoxicating beverages came in numerous varieties.

          The same is true of alcoholic beverages today.  There are drinks that are considered to be less intoxicating:  beer, wine, and wine coolers.  Then, there is “strong drink” that involves such things as straight whiskey, rum, vodka, etc.  The amount of alcohol varies from drink to drink.  The point of the wise sage in Proverbs 20:1 is to alert individuals to the dangers of all intoxicating beverages.

          Next, the inspired penman sets forth “The Dangers” of alcoholic drinks.  The dangers are manifested in two words:  “mocker” and “raging.”  The word “mocker” means “to make mouths at.”  It involves mocking, scorning, and derision.  When all is said and done, wine sits back and laughs at those who use it.  The word “raging” means “to bring great commotion and tumult.”  It also carries the definition of “to be troubled” and “to be in an uproar.”  Strong drink stirs up one’s peaceful life.  It causes a person’s life to be tossed to and fro like a ship in the midst of a turbulent storm.

          As a person studies Bible history, he finds numerous examples wherein alcoholic beverages caused trouble for those who used them.  In Genesis 9:20-21, we read:  “And Noah began to be a husbandman, and he planted a vineyard:  and he drank of the wine, and was drunken and he was uncovered in his tent.”  His drunken state and physical appearance was not handled well by one of his sons.  Because of it, he was cursed by his father (Gen. 9:25).  As wine looked at this unfortunate circumstance, it laughed in derision.

          Another example of the dangers of intoxicating drinks is found in Genesis 19:30-38.  Lot and his daughters had fled from the destruction of Sodom and dwelled in a cave in a mountain.  The firstborn daughter was concerned about not having a child.  Thus, she and her sister developed a plan to have children by their father.  The plan involved getting Lot drunk.  While in his drunken stupor, the daughters would lie with him.   The plan worked.  Two sons were born to Lot’s daughters, Moab and Benammi.  These two sons produced the nations of Moab and Ammon, two idolatrous nations.  These nations would become a thorn in Israel’s side for years to come.  The wars, the temptations, and the struggles that Israel faced because of them prove that strong drink can rage through our lives like a hurricane rages through a small island in the midst of the sea.

          Many people in our society could attest to the serious dangers that alcohol has brought to their lives.

–      Homes have been broken by divorce

–      Wives have been abused

–      Children have been neglected and abused

–      Financial ruin

–      Damaged property

–      Crimes committed

–      Imprisonment

–      Death of innocent men, women, and children

–      Ruined health

–      Precious souls lost to a devil’s hell

Each one of the things listed above could be studied in great detail.  Statistics could be brought forth that would prove many times over that wine and strong drink have mocked millions and have stormed through the lives of countless multitudes like a tornado on a stormy night.

          Many individuals will not heed these warnings about the dangers of alcohol.  They like the taste of alcohol.  They like the initial effects of alcohol on their mind and body.  They like to associate with their friends and relatives who drink.  In their minds, they believe that none of the things we mentioned above will happen to them.  This is exactly what alcohol wants a person to believe.  The writer of Proverbs 20:1 is clear when he tells us that alcohol is “The Deceiver.”

          Jill was happily married to Craig for seven years.  They had a 4 year old daughter who was their gift from God.  Jill and Craig were Christians.  They seldom missed Bible class or worship services.  They were diligent workers within their congregation.  In fact, Craig was a deacon.

          Jill and Craig had a secret.  They both enjoyed social drinking.  From time to time, they would go to their friends’ houses and drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks.  If they went out for a nice dinner, drinks were always included on the tab.  They were convinced drinking would not harm them. 

          In time, Jill started to see some changes in Craig’s behavior.  He would come home later from work.  He would get up at night and be gone from bed for an hour or two.  On the weekends, Craig would slip off to his friends’ houses in order to have some “guy time.”  Slowly Craig became addicted to alcohol.  Jill discovered all of the avenues of his drinking problem.  She asked him to get help.  Craig refused.  Their relationship became strained and distant.  Craig eventually found himself in a relationship with a co-worker.  He divorced Jill.  He married the other woman.  He quit attending church services.  He sees his daughter every other week.  What Jill and Craig thought would never occur happened.  The storm of strong drink raged through their lives.  Devastation was left behind.  And, the liquor laughed at them both.

          Jill and Craig became part of a group of people called “The Deceived.”  The writer of Proverbs calls them “not wise.”  Another term that describes these individuals is “fools.”  The evils of alcohol are well known to them.  The containers of alcohol are well marked and labelled.  Yet, these individuals proceed to drink the dangerous liquid.  They continue to believe the lie that they can escape the storm of devastation created by intoxicants.  They, however, do not.  Their lives are ripped asunder by what they believed was harmless. 

My friend, if this is you, you are not wise.  Please give up your wine and strong drink before they make a fool out of you.  Give heed to the words of the apostle Paul found in Ephesians 5:18:  “And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit.”