Death by Drinking

David Cameron is wanting to cut the number of people killing themselves by binge drinking. The report, earlier in the week, about the rise in numbers of people with their livers seriously damaged , especially among the under 40s, adds evidence that too many people are drinking far too much alcohol. Death by drinking is a rising scourge.

In the earlier times, many groups in society, not only Christians, worked hard to highlight the dangers of the 'demon drink'. As whole communities were destroyed by drunkenness and the violence which went with it, many promoted the blessings of temperance and sobriety. In our own day, groups like Alcoholics Anonymous are very active in trying to help people put their lives back in order.

Obviously, this is not new. How serious are we about taking action to avoid this problem?

St. Paul, writing to his friends in Ephesus, indicates the better choice that followers of Jesus can enjoy. ' Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit' (Ephesians 5.18)

All of us may quite easily slip into drinking too much alcohol - and third or fourth glass of wine, another pint before leaving - and we may need help to get a grip on a dangerous habit. St. Paul's simple remedy suggests that wanting to keep close to Jesus, and wanting to be full of His Spirit, will keep us safe, so that we can be useful as Christ-followers.

Instead of 'death by drinking', we can enjoy a different sort of life, ' singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5.19-20) A life full of gratitude to the Lord, and taken up with how much He has done for us, will help to keep us sober, and able to enjoy life fully.

Best wishes,

Richard