stopped drinking
I stopped drinking at the end of April. At least for a while.
Why?
- I really felt God was asking me to. Beyond any particular reason or explanation, I’ve had this growing sense that I must.
- I have sensed that God is wanting to do something significant – in me? through me? Perhaps this is a bit of physical fast to reinforce the spiritual – a time of preparation
- I don’t want to miss ANYTHING – good conversation with a friend, opportunity to hear or see God, etc.- because I’ve been drinking. Although I never drink all that much anyway, I’d hate for that to be the reason I miss something
- Sometimes I look at people who have been drinking (either too much or too often), and wonder, “Am I like that?” Again, don’t think so, but I’d hate for someone to get a wrong impression or be turned off by that
- A fair amount of our community drinks, and I guess I want to lead the way in moderation in this area.
The thing is, drinking isn’t wrong. But it sure is easily abused. And because this isn’t a black and white issue, it gets a little complicated when it comes to “how much.”
- When exactly has someone had too much too drink?
- When is someone drinking too often?
I often don’t know when it comes to someone else. I’m concerned that too many of us can’t answer these questions for ourselves.
Perhaps a bit of what God wants to teach me is self-control, discernment, and moderation. I don’t anticipate this is a permanent stop, and don’t actually have a plan to end. I guess I’m counting on God indicating it’s ok to drink again as strongly as He told me to stop.
Comments(5)
When it comes to too much I reactively think of the verse in Ephesians that states “Don’t be drunk with wine, which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” Of course this only raises the question, “What constitutes drunkenness? When have we crossed the line so as to affect our sobriety and discernment?”
The other day I had a conversation with a friend of mine and we were discussing the verse wherein Jesus says to Peter, “If I want him [John] to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” What we were getting out of this is that though we share a common life in Christ, there is a very personal dimension where each of us has a unique path to walk upon in following Christ. This often will mean that what is alright for one Xian is not alright for another, that certain ethical and spiritual matters are between the disciple and his Lord.
I hope this will be season in which you are more firmly grounded in and oriented upon Jesus.
Arthur – Just wanted to say I think that’s very cool & self-disciplined/ obedient of you to do. I can also see how this could be beneficial for all of our community– not so much about your personal drinking but in leading the way for everyone else here to consider our own drinking/ consumption habits. Maybe I should consider doing the same with desserts.
) Thanks for sharing!
Good for you Arthur. I suspect God is nudging us all the time to change directions, to take a new path, to try doing more one of one thing and less of another, or even to just try letting go of something to see what happens in us and around us. But most of the time I think we kinda just give God a non-verbal, barely conscious, “Huh,” and then move on unmoved and unchanged. At least I do. So good for you for listening and acting.
I agree that there’s nothing inherently wrong with drinking, but I’ve thought for quite awhile, (and folks in our communities are probably tired of hearing me say it), that our casual and often cavalier attitude about the use of alcohol seems to reveal a naiveté to the havoc it’s wrecking all around us and often an insensitivity to those in our communities who are susceptible to hurting themselves with it. I hope we’ll be different. I hope we’ll be increasingly wise, sensitive, loving, and as you’re demonstrating, increasingly attentive and responsive to the nudgings of God.
WOW! My friend just referred your blog to me immediately after I told her that I was beginning a fast from alcohol. God put it on my heart last night. I used to be a drinker in college but pretty much ceased that once out of college. Besides an occasional glass of wine, I barely drink anymore. But after a strand of interesting events this weekend and seeing how alcohol [or the effects of it] drowns the voice of God, quite possibly any “divine appointments,” or the blessing of a beautiful day one may miss out on because of it, I felt [for me personally] it was something God was asking me to take out of my life for a season – I don’t think permanently, but definitely a season. I am so excited to see what He has to say [do] in the midst of it.
I affirm you for your honestly, transparency and quest to venture more deeply as to what God may be saying to you through this. Thank you for sharing…it is an encouragement to see your obedience to God’s calling here! Blessings!
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