Alcohol – Under the Influence

God’s Wisdom regarding alcohol

The effects of alcohol

from the view of neuroscience

The National Center for Biotechnology Information

has Published an article from the Indian Journal of Human Genetics stating the following:

Alcohol is a drug that is known for its many

stimulating and mind-altering effects.

Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication

pathways and can affect the way the brain works.

Ethanol (The most commonly consumed type of

alcohol) acts to depress brain function, very much

in the style of an anesthetic. It releases behaviors

that are otherwise inhibited and usually produces

feelings of relaxation and feeling good. It affects the ability of the brain to process

information in even low quantities.

In Higher doses it affects the brain further by

inducing intoxication wherein the person may

experience loss of coordination and judgment.

God’s Word says:

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proverbs 20:1

THE RISKS OF INTOXICATION

It puts you at risk for depression, sorrow,

strife, dissatisfaction, physical harm,

and compromised vision.

It may look appealing, but it wounds in the

end.you will be tempted to misbehavior

and foolishness.

It will make you nauseous.

It will put you at risk of mistreatment.

It can become habit forming.

WHEN IT IS TOO MUCH?

Read Proverbs 23:29-35

FOR WHOM AND WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE?

Read Proverbs 31:4-7

It is not for leaders Those in authority

Those in positions of influence

It can be used for temporary relief

For those who are dying

For those in bitter distress

For medicinal purposes (1 Tim 5:23)

UNDER WHAT INFLUENCE?

Do not get drunk with wine for that is dissipation but be filled with the Spirit

Ephesians 5:18-19 says:

“And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit;speaking one to

another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing and making melody with your heart to the

Lord…”

Please take note:

The Bible does not prohibit the consumption

of alcohol, however,

The Bible rarely commends (and never commands)

the use of alcohol.

The Bible gives clear warnings of the dangers of

consuming alcohol.

The Bible views drunkenness as sin and even evidence of lostness.

The Bible allows for some level of differing opinions

regarding alcohol.

Some Guidelines to make wise choices

Ref: Romans 14:1 – 15:2

14: 13 We are not to judge one another

14: 13 We are not to be an obstacle to one another

or cause them to stumble

14: 19 We are to pursue peace and the building up

of one another

14: 20 We are not to offend our fellow Christians

15: 1 We are to bear with the weakness of others

15: 1 We are not to just please ourselves

15: 2 We are to please our neighbor for their good,

to their edification