The Christian Letter, Volume One: Chapter 53
As I have written you before, in regards to Passover, I, on occasion, do have a glass of wine. I am not a teetotaler, but nor am I against that idea; in fact, I respect it thoroughly. “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine, nor to do whatever by which your brother stumbles.” (Romans 14:21). If anyone around you has a problem with the consumption of wine, then you ought not consume it at that time. The taste of wine is not as delightful as the presence of a contented friend with whom you still have a testimony. Never forget that. Pomegranate juice is my wine, and passion fruit my wife’s. The health is ours, and the joy: those who share our glass.
The traumas that alcohol causes are just a shadow in comparison to eating meat and drinking dairy, which result in heart disease, cancers, obesity related disorders, and deaths. I never understood, “Drunk on blood,” as, until I stopped eating death, my brain was too clogged by it to understand. I also understand the toll that is due for those consumed with whiskey. The toll? It is so high that a single person cannot pay it, and so their family pays, too. I know. I know well. For I have paid dues not mine.
What causes people to start being consumed with drinking? Temptation. Quite often, beer and hard alcohol advertisements use sexy women, and big muscular hunks of men, having the time of their lives, to sell their drink. Wine is shown to be the essence of sophistication, and, much like other media, most public buys into it without question. However, there is nothing sexy about a drunk woman—easier to have sex with maybe, but not sexier. As for men who drink, well, the beer literally disintegrates your strength, hence the common unattractiveness of most drinkers beer-belly, which is not shredded muscle, but rather a tub of toxic fat. As for sophistication, I have met many drunks who thought they had words of wisdom, but none of them were very wise.
Why do people drink excessively, or do drugs? There is no blanket answer, but for some it is rebellion, or just for the rush of a high. For others it is a rite of passage, or a means to drown out the noise of others, or self, or even the Holy Spirit. Some say they drink excessively because they are lonely, have low self-esteem, sexual problems, or because they desire to be popular and have more friends. Yet, alcohol abuse is soul-destroying, and only faith can mend a soul heading toward destruction. Seeking to reform without faith is like locking the door, and leaving the key in the keyhole, with a note for the devil to come on in.
Alcoholism is a willing addiction, while an unwilling addiction is a medical condition, and drinking on occasion bears no crime or need of treatment, but, much like cake, it should not be consumed often. If you do not care that it is hurting you and those around you, then you are an alcoholic. If you do care, and want to stop, but find it nearly impossible, then be brave enough to find the help you need. There is no crime, or weakness, in winning your battles. If you find that you want to drink quite often, then fasting for forty days and forty nights from all manner of alcohol will be of great benefit. You may be at the beginnings of alcoholism, or you may be at the same beginning stages as those who want cake and cookies everyday, in that you are becoming a glutton. Ask Yahoweh to search your heart, to give you strength, and to guide you in His righteousness, so that you do not succumb to self-righteousness.
Do you get drunk when you drink, even when you do not mean to? To you, is it status symbol to be able to hold your liquor? Some drink in an out-of-control way from their first drink, while others slowly progress over decades to uncontrolled drinking. The Messiah came to set the prisoners of habitual sin free, and alcoholism is slavery.
Medical help for the withdrawal syndromes may be needed for the recovering alcoholic. Recovery is not an overnight thing, rather it is a complete remake, and that takes time, prayer, and real Love. You do not have to drink! Life without alcohol is not only possible, but also deeply rewarding, with new energy, happiness, money, and maybe even family. Once you have stopped, you can never, as a recovered alcoholic, return to drinking, and the ability to stay away from alcohol depends on maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual health.
We have no need to fix the whole problem all at once, nor do we need to focus on next week’s battles. Even those with only a little bit of the fruit of the Spirit self-control can do something for a day, even things they feel they could never do all week. Therefore, be sober today, and while you are sober, give your sobriety meaning. Enjoy life! If, during this day, you find modern day statistics concerning alcoholism, and find, and enjoy, activates that are done by those who are sober, you can give yourself more and more reasons to, not just stay sober, but want to be sober!
Everyone will fall back into sin again, but if we truly rely on the Holy Spirit, and not on our own power, then the bounce up will be swift. With time and practice, we can give more and more of ourselves over to the Holy Spirit so we can be strong against temptation. Never try to conquer sin yourself. Trying to be righteous on your own produces self-righteousness, and trying to quit drinking on your own means that the desire is yours alone, and we often confuse temptations for our desires, but Yahoweh never shall.
If you take only one thing away from this letter, then please accept this: Our desires change, and so we often consider temptations as our desire, therefore, walk in His desire.
“Therefore, since Messiah suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so that he no longer lives the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but according to the desire of Elohim. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the desire of the gentiles, having walked in indecencies, lusts, drunkenness, orgies, wild parties, and abominable idolatries, in which they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same flood of loose behaviour, blaspheming, who shall give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” (1 Peter 4:1-5). One of the greatest causes for backsliding into any sin is how others treat you, but, as Scriptures teaches us, let us no longer walk in the ways of the gentiles.
“Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbour, pouring out your wineskin, and also making him drunk—in order to look on their nakedness! You shall be filled with shame instead of esteem. Drink, you too, and be exposed as uncircumcised! The cup of the Right Hand of Yahoweh shall come around to you, and great shame upon your esteem.” (Habakkuk 2:15-16). Many wish to read only, “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor,” but Scriptures tell us the woe belongs to those who make another drunk to look upon their nakedness. This is a big reason why many people drink. The same reason many people wear smelly stuff called cologne. Because they think it will help them get sex. Certainly not the only reason, but indeed a main one! Heed the warning of shame: if you do this gross wickedness, then you shall be exposed as uncircumcised.
“Humble yourselves, then, under the mighty hand of Elohim, so that He exalts you in due time, casting all your worry upon Him, for He is concerned about you. Be sober, watch, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in the belief, knowing that the same hardships are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. And the Elohim of all favour, who called you to His everlasting esteem by Messiah Yahoshuah, after you have suffered a while, Himself perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the esteem and the might forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:6-11). If one drinks too much wine, then, in their increased folly, the devil may take hold of them. It is more tempting to him than the wine was to you.
“And the works of the flesh are well known, which are these: adultery, whoring, uncleanness, indecency, idolatry, drug sorcery, hatred, quarrels, jealousies, fits of rage, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, murders, drunkenness, wild parties, and the like—of which I forewarn you, even as I also said before, that those who practice such as these shall not inherit the reign of Elohim.” (Galatians 5:19-21).
How do you help an alcoholic? Whether you are the husband, wife, friend, parent, or child of a problem drinker, your understanding of the nature of the problem can play a vital part in helping the alcoholic to achieve and maintain sobriety. Remind him that he cannot face his alcoholism alone, and that he is not alone. Let him know Yahoweh is there, and that you are praying for him. Throwing away the whiskey, making or forcing promises, coaxing, threatening, reasoning, making emotional appeals, or withholding money, is not the answer. A lack of love and an unclean life or home can cause alcoholism; therefore, improving a person’s life and surroundings, growing in a habit together of improving oneself, and providing true love, can help win the battle for a person’s soul. However, the battle must start with the drinker knowing he has a problem, and wanting to fix it.
The alcoholic has to want to quit. However, this is not something alcoholics can fully decide for themselves. The alcoholic’s compulsion to drink often creates a stubborn resistance to help. To admit being an alcoholic, as simple and evident as this may seem, implies committing oneself to doing something about one’s drinking problem. Telling the alcoholic that he is hurting the family rarely works, but making that evident should be done, as he must see his actions for what they are before he would ever consider fixing them. Sometimes, with those just stumbling into alcoholism, knowledge of the truth will work. Compare it to something he is passionate about, such as the number killed in a war or natural tragedy.
Currently, alcohol-impaired drivers are estimated to cost American taxpayers tens of billions per year. (Think of the good that could be done with that.) I encourage you to look at the current statistics for that, as well as alcohol-related suicide attempts, violent crimes, emergency room admissions, domestic disputes, divorce, rape, loss of employment, mental ailments, and physical disabilities.
Most alcoholics are most fearful of being caught by friends or family, thus they drink at night or when away from home. Most fatal alcohol-related auto accidents occur at night because of this. If you ever find your loved one hiding booze, or lying about drinking, then it is evident he has become ensnared in alcoholism, but let us remember, we, too, have sin, and the drinker has no need for our condemnations, only our loving help.
The first step to helping the alcoholic is prayer, not at him, but for him. Accountability to friends and church members is also a major aid. Seek a Biblical group for support and advice, as wellas ahelp center. Fellowship is vital, but don’t force it, yet, do always have the door open with warm invitations. The first place fellowship should be had is in the home. Be sure the Word, not just a subject like alcoholism, is the center. Reading Job, for example, can be just as helpful, if not more so. In fact, leave alcohol out of the conversation for the most part.
Alcoholism is a weakness, therefore, pampering will only make it worse, and degrading them will destroy any might that is left. Find the weak points and help fix them by encouragement, and empower his strong points even more. If he has been strong about avoiding all advertisements for booze, then applaud his valor. If, when he has loose change, he constantly uses it to buy beer, then encourage him to always place all his cash in a bank, or to give it to you, and when he does, be a good stewarded yourself of that money. There is no point blaming the victim for a lack of strength, as this will only make him weaker, instead, give support. Make sure he is shown daily the Great Provider in His Words and your actions. Be glad of each accomplishment. Often we think of all the times we fail, and thus feel defeated, but there are more times we succeed at beating a temptation, and while I am not promoting pride or arrogance, I think it is safe to feel cheerful in the strength He gave you to overcome.
An alcoholic is on a course of self-destruction, but often he is either unaware, or chooses to make himself unaware, of that fact. To allow him to continue without encouraging him to get the necessary help would be an act of cruelty. One who truly loves him will make his drinking uncomfortable, and his life comfortable enough for him to reconsider his drunkenness. He needs to be jolted. He needs a wake up call. That’s perfectly obvious to each and every one of us, but the whiskey or beer has made him completely blind to reality so clear. Though, and I say this with a great pain, sometimes, even after decades, victory will not be there. … No. No, I will not lose hope. For there is always hope, as there is always Yahoweh! Trust in His mighty grip more than the grip of alcohol.
Transfer your dependency to Elohim. Read the Bible daily, and meditate upon His Words. This will be your new source of dependency. Without it, you will fall back to the old dependency of the ways of the flesh, and not the way of the Spirit. Pray every day with someone, and while you are alone. You don’t have to know big words or be a good speaker, just pray as if speaking to the greatest friend anyone could ever have. Remember, though: A friend listens.
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who feels hurt without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those staying long at the wine, those going in to search out mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it gives its colour in the cup, as it flows smoothly; in the end it bites like a snake, and stings like an adder—your eyes look on strange women, and your heart speaks perversities. And you shall be as one lying down in the midst of the sea, and as one lying at the top of the mast, saying, “They smote me, I was not sick! They beat me, I did not know! When shall I wake up? Let me seek it again!” (Proverbs 23:29-35). Who has joy, faith, contentment, truth, healing, and clear eyes? Those who love Truth, and walk in the Spirit thereof. Do no look to the bar with its pretty lights and shows or it will swallow you whole and spit you out cold. Do not look to the church with its pretty lights and shows or it will swallow you whole and spit you out warm. Rather look to the Word of Life, and be a vessel of Light for others to see on their cold dreary nights. You have been called. Do not close your heart with the wine of folly, be it in a pretty glass or a pretty building.
“Woe to those who rise early in the morning pursuing strong drink, who stay up late at night—wine inflames them!” (Isaiah 5:11). In the morning one ought pursue prayer, breakfast, and time with the family as you prepare for the whatever the day holds. For drink to be a thought upon waking, something would have to be wrong in one’s heart (Deuteronomy 11:18-20). Yet, many rise early and stay up late, to pursue more money in an attempt to satisfy their growing greed. The later is no better, as your family and soul still suffer greatly.
Moderate drinking is a tutor. Alcoholism is entered into so subtlety that we never suspect we are drunks. If ever you desire a larger amount of wine, or desire beer or whisky, then see the shift and take action to preserve your soul, as well as those you love. You must find the strength to be lovingly strong for them.
“Therefore, having girded up the loins of your mind, being sober, set your expectation perfectly upon the favour that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Yahoweh Messiah, as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts in your ignorance, instead, as the One who called you is set-apart, so you also should become set-apart in all behaviour, because it has been written, “Be set-apart, for I am set-apart.” (1 Peter 1:13-16). Peter says we ought be sober because the Torah teaches us to be holy as Yahoweh is Holy, and we should never associate His Name with drunken conduct. If you do not want to take a chance on the temptation then never drink to begin with. If your drinking might make other people offended or fall from the knowledge of a loving Elohim, then do not drink.
I only consume a low alcohol wine at Passover, and on occasion at a restaurant with friends. I drink rarely. Some years I do not even drink a drop. If you do see a believer drink, please forgive him as you also need forgiveness, but if you see your brother fall into the darkness of alcoholism, then walk near him with nurturing Light, and pull him from the pit of hell of not only this life. Do not spite your brother or sister for their weakness. For all are weak. We all are. But He is strong.
“Not for sovereigns, O Lemuel,
Not for sovereigns to drink wine,
Nor for princes to desire strong drink;
Lest they drink and forget the law,
And pervert the right of all the afflicted.
Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
And wine to those embittered in being.
Let him drink and forget his poverty,
And remember his trouble no more.”
(Proverbs 31:4-7).
Kings cannot be drunk, but those who are perishing, suffering from shell shock or pain, or extreme poverty, can sometimes benefit from wine. Not the gluttony thereof, but, yes, wine nonetheless is a blessing unto them, and we should not withhold the blessing. Drinking cannot heal a spiritual deficiency, but then neither can chocolate. Think of wine as you would gold. If a gold coin drops on your head, you will be happy and sing praises, but if a ton of gold falls on your head, then only your in-laws will be happy and sing praises.
Remember that wine was also used in caring for the injured in the accounting of the Good Samaritan. We must not reject or condemn anything simply because it is abused. Wine, like sex, gold, and rest, is a wonderful blessing, but these can be a curse if abused … as well as a curse if neglected when it ought be had.
“No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent ailments.” (1 Timothy 5:23). While this verse certainly seems out of place in the flow of Paul’s writing, I am sure the same could be said about any of the Letters I write to you as well. Timothy once abstained from wine, but, since he had stomach problems, Paul told Timothy to drink a little wine. I think we can all agree that the wine in question was intended as medicine to help improve his health, not to get drunk. Thousands upon thousands die from drinking. Indeed, millions have! The concept of wine’s health benefits granting you a longer life is grossly exaggerated. The aspect of a longer life is from joy, but true joy is a fruit of the Spirit, being joyful for His Torah, Yahoshuah. I do drink wine on occasion, but my joy comes from the Holy Spirit, not the spirits.
As for antioxidants, the same can be found in eating raw whole organic grapes. Blasted adjectives! Why is it that organic food has to have the title? Up until recently, organic food was called food. All the rest of that stuff should be called: Chemically spayed and altered previous food. We could call it CSAP foods for short. Makes it sound like a government handout. Of course it is, but, let’s get back on track: Get rid of stress internally and then externally; eat a wide array of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and seeds, and, hey, be happy, be content, be.
Note: Some say the beverages that are viewed negatively are the alcoholic drinks, while those viewed positively are references to unfermented grape juice. When we see references to drink, the surrounding text can easily define the word’s meaning, even if alleged scholars tell you they don’t know if the word means wine or juice. Therefore, examine the Scriptures, being careful not to fall into folly, into drunkenness, whilst still sober. There would no need for Timothy to abstain from grape juice, nor would there be a need to stress that he has only a little wine.
“And Malkitsedeq sovereign of Shalem brought out bread and wine. Now he was the priest of the Most High El.” (Genesis 14:18). Melchizedek, Whom many believe to be the Messiah according to Hebrews 7:1-8, and is a picture of Him at the least, brought white bread from the grocery store, and fruit juice. Wait! No! That’s not it. He brought bread, which was more than likely Challah, or Matzah, and wine, real wine.
“Do not drink wine or strong drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the Tent of Meeting, lest you die—a Law forever throughout your generations,” (Leviticus 10:9). Did He say, “ever,” or just, “when you go into the Tent of Meeting”? Some say this only applies to them back then, but I still feel it has value. One should not drink wine, or anything with alcohol, when you go to an assembly. While this is common sense, it is, “bah,” to the one already drunk, even if only with the folly of thinking drinking heavily is fine.
“You have put more gladness in my heart, than in the season that their grain and wine increased.” (Psalms 4:7).
“Causing the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for the service of mankind, to bring forth food from the earth, and wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make the face shine, and bread which sustains man’s heart.” (Psalms 104:14-15).
“Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a glad heart; for Elohim has already approved your works.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7).
“A feast is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life; and the silver answers all.” (Ecclesiastes 10:19).
“For what goodness is His, and what comeliness is His. Grain make the young men thrive, and new wine the maidens!” (Zechariah 9:17).
“And these wineskins which we filled were new, and see, they are torn. And these our garments and our sandals have become old because of the very long journey.” (Joshua 9:13). Wine was common, and Yahoweh did not kill thousands of them because of wine, but He did become enraged when they asked for flesh to eat, killing thousands of them. What Yahoweh sees as vile, let us also; what He sees as something to be cautious around, let us also.
“Be not among heavy drinkers of wine or with gluttonous eaters of meat; for the drunkard and the glutton become poor, and slumber puts rags on a man.” (Proverbs 23:20-21). All too often, I would have to leave assemblies all together if I followed this, which, by the way, I do. Potlucks can be described quite accurately as a pig like gluttony of meat. Yet, concerning wine, this says to not be around heavy drinkers of wine. This describes people who drink many bottles, or those who are out to get thoroughly drunk, even if that only takes one cup. While I am thankful I have never seen drunkenness with wine in the church, it is saddening and disgusting that I all too often see severe gluttony.
“And they were giving Him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it.” (Mark 15:23). Wine mixed with myrrh was an anesthetic. The Messiah went through my punishment without so much as an aspirin. No one can say my Rabbi cheated. Not even the devil. He paid in full. For me. For you. There is forgiveness. Even for weak and feeble men like me. There is forgiveness. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light.
To close, I would simply like to say this, redundant as it may be: drink rarely if ever, and do not drink if there could be a hint of anger behind it from a fellow believer, or if drinking could hinder another person’s desire, or your own, for the Spirit residing in you. I wish Christians were more against the eating of meat than they are against the consumption of wine. So many lives could be saved, and so many souls, more than we know, as many look at us for their translation. Don’t be a drunk one, on wine or blood. Consider this … please.
“So, then, let us pursue the matters of peace and the matters for building up one another. Do not destroy the work of Elohim for the sake of food. All indeed are clean, but evil to that man who eats so as to cause stumbling. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine, nor to do whatever by which your brother stumbles.” (Romans 14:19-21). If someone is fasting, it is best not to eat or drink in front of them, inasmuch as it is never a good idea to consume that which can ruin your testimony, be it with billions with the consumption of meat, or thousands with the moderate consumption of alcohol. May you always be sober, or at the very least, fighting to be. Trade all the dreams you haven’t got, for the One Who is not merely a dream.
“Let us walk becomingly, as in the day, not in wild parties and drunkenness, not in living together and indecencies, not in fighting and envy, but put on the Master Yahoshuah Messiah, and make no provision for the lusts of the flesh.” (Romans 13:13-14).
Be Blessed and be a Blessing
Shalom
-Valentine Thalken Billingsley
If this blessed you, please share it.
Additional Scripture References:
1 Thessalonians 5:4-10, Titus 2:11 – 3:1, Matthew 24:45-51, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Luke 21:34-36, 1 Chronicles 27:27, Numbers 18:12, Psalms 145:18-19, Proverbs 20:1, 23:20-21, Isaiah 5:11-14, 22-23, Jeremiah 13:13-14, Matthew 1:21, Luke 21:34, Romans 13:13-14, 7:15-25, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Matthew 18:13-14, Luke 18:1-8, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Revelation 7:16-17, 21:4, Matthew 11:18-19, Ephesians 5:18-21, Hosea 4:11, Proverbs 3:9-10, John 15:5
