Why alcohol doesn’t help physical and mental health.
Alcoholic drinks are widely used as a coping mechanism, but the Scripture calls such a ‘mocker’ and here is why:
- Alcohol is a mind-altering substance and its use can result in dependence (craving and withdrawal symptoms).
- Alcohol can worsen existing anxiety symptoms and induce new anxiety symptoms.
- It carries risk of organ damage, disability and death.
- Drunkenness can cause people to say things and act in ways they later regret.
- Alcohol is an addictive substance and the body develops a tolerance for it. This means that over time the body needs more alcohol to produce the same euphoric feelings.
Referring to alcoholic wine, the Scripture says:
“WINE is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1).
God wants His people healthy, well and in possession of our souls (which includes the mind).
“In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:19).
Today, when wine is spoken of, people automatically think of alcoholic wine. However, historically, wine just meant preserved grape juice, which can be either alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Some Bible scriptures clearly refer to non-alcoholic wine (the type Christ turned the water into), others warn against alcoholic wine. Drunkenness and bodily damage results from putting alcohol into the body.
“For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.” (Proverbs 23:21).
In His Word, God has given people clear warnings about the danger of alcoholic drinks:
“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. (Proverbs 23:29–32)
God can help and He can provide strength and grace to forsake destructive ways, when His help is sought in sincerity.
The Scripture says, of the Lord Jesus Christ and His saving grace:
“But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:24, 25).
Christ saves to the uttermost. He is the Healer and Deliverer and He never changes. Praise His Name forevermore.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18, 19).
There are many other reasons for Christians to avoid the use of alcohol in drinks and food.
The following sermon goes through other important reasons:
“Should we as priests of God drink alcohol?” (by Pastor Craig Savige of Victory Faith Centre, Geelong, Australia).
Remember that God loves you. Lean on His everlasting arms – He will never fail those who put their trust in Him.