Day 23: Meat and Wine.

Today we are reading Proverbs chapter 23 and Psalm chapters 111-115. Before we begin, let's clear our minds and hearts of all distractions. Remember that today is a new day. :)

-Read Scriptures-

Today we are going to tackle a difficult subject. Not difficult in it's complexity, but difficult because it can be controversial. Let me begin by say that you may or may not agree with me, but that is okay.

Today we are talking about food, alcohol, and self-control.

I know, right? Who wants to talk about this? (Especially since I picked such a yummy looking picture. Whoops.) Well, the author of this particular proverb did, so we might as well address it too! We are going to talk about 3 different areas today regarding this topic, and those are overall manners, influences, and personal self-control/discipline.

"When you go out to dinner with an influential person, mind your manners: Don't gobble your food, don't talk with your mouth full and don't stuff yourself; bridle your appetite." Proverbs 23:1-3 The Message.

Honestly, can't you tell a lot about a person by how they eat?! I sometimes like to people watch at restaurants, it can be very entertaining! You can tell if someone is bored, passionate, sloppy, disciplined, or even organized by how they eat.  People watch us all the time and form impressions, and we should be mindful of the impression we give portray. Wether we like it or not, public perception plays a large role on our influence over those around us. Speaking of influence...

"Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path: Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags." Proverbs 23:19-21 TNIV 

We have to be aware of those who influence us! They impact us and can change the course of our lives in a second. By shear proximity the decision of a family member or friend can effect us greatly. Shrapnel from an explosion can be just as deadly if you are close enough. It does not matter if you are the one that explodes or not. Keep that in mind.

Now, let's move on to the hard stuff: our personal issues and struggles with food and alcohol. Our struggles and issues with self-control. I'm including a large chunk of this proverbs in The Voice translation because I really like the way it words it...

"Who is wallowing in anguish? Who is full of sorrow? Who has conflicts? Who has complaints? Who has bruises and can't remember where they came from? Who has bloodshot eyes? You know who: those who stay up late finishing off the wine, those who can't stop savoring spiced wines. Look away from the enticing beauty of wine, the deep red hue; ignore how it shimmers in the cup and glides down your throat. Eventually, when you least expect it, it strikes like a snake; it stings like viper venom. You vision will blur, and you'll imagine strange things; you will say crazy, hurtful things and regret it later. You will reel and stagger as if caught on a way of seasickness, as a sailor who holds on to a mast for dear life." Proverbs 23:19-34 

I personally do not drink. I know myself, my limitations, and my issues with self-control. I struggle with addictive tendencies and after reading these scriptures, I am sure that things would not end well. Honestly, reading these verses scares the crap out of me!

Now, no where in the bible does it condemn drinking. It only gives extensive warning and commands against being drunk. I have many friends that drink and I'm fine with that. BUT we have to take heed of the bible's warning of it's effects and dangers! If you choose to drink, I implore you to constantly be checking yourself. Check your experiences against this passage and if you can ever relate or experience anything along those lines, step back and re-evaluate. This is an important warning system, "...Be attentive so you can be well informed." Proverbs 23:12. (The Voice) Don't let this problem strike when you least expect it.

We make choices everyday. We surround ourselves with people who's choices impact us everyday. We have to make wise decisions so that we do not lose our impact on those around us. How we treat alcohol and food is a big part of that. No matter where we land on this issue, let's at least agree to run the decisions we make with these scriptures in mind. And to be sensitive to the spirit's prodding if we ever get too close to a dangerous road.