Alcoholic abuse has become a cancer that has been eating into the vitals of the modern society. Today, however, we have transformed alcohol into a symbol of status and nobility. Alcohol makes people brutes and an alcoholic makes the family a hell.

Alcoholics do not consider drinking as a sin. Many people think like this – Everything in this world has been created for the enjoyment of man. But God has never allowed His children to indulge in the lusts of people. India has now turned into a den of toddy shops, bars and outlets selling alcoholic beverages. Against this, God gives us timely warning: “Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. At last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder” (Pro 23:31).

Inspite of knowing that alcoholism would cause havoc on our home, society, wealth and even on self respect, we plunge ourselves into ruin very much like a butterfly trying to befriend flames. What a deplorable state of affairs!

We spend more money on alcohol than on food. Most of the road accidents are the results of drunken driving. If we look into the cases of divorce in India, we find the main reason for divorce is alcohol abuse. People with liver and heart diseases are also on the increase in India. Assaults on women and sexual perversions are also on the rise here.

Some people justify themselves by asking what is wrong in taking an occasional drink. They will say that they do that just to get some relief after carrying out all their responsibilities. Such pretext of drinking is not good for a good Christian. God wants us to live a life that is appropriate for the day, abandoning our love of luxury and desire for drinks.

Alcoholism destroys our health and sanctity of our body. What is displayed on the bottle labels and on the boards of shops selling alcohol? Isn’t it “Drinking alcohol is injurious to health?” We should realize our mistakes and give up drinking.

God asks us, “Don’t you know that you are the temple of God and the Holy spirit dwells in you? “If anyone destroys God’s temple ,God will destroy that person. For God’s temple is holy and you are that temple” (1 Cor 3:17).

Our bodies are temples of God. When we spoil our bodies with alcohol, we are actually pouring dirty water into the temple of God. Any act that destroys the nobility and purity of our body is a sin. We should have this knowledge and conviction.

- – - written by Surjith Jacob

Want to know more? Goto Abuse of Alcohol and Drugs

Watch the inspirational video given above titled The Christian Ripple Effect.

We all know how important it is to talk to others about Christ. But we shouldn’t forget about the impact of how we live our lives as well. Just think, you may never meet the person whose life you helped change.

You can call it the “Ripple Effect” or “Trickle Down Blessings”. It is ultimately Gods’ will that none should perish. He has a plan, and this is a great video to show how sharing Christ, inviting someone to church, pays Eternal dividends! Something to think about the next time someone asks, ‘Why do you wear that cross?’, or ‘What is it about you, you are always happy’? Even though it sometimes seems it is not so, sharing our faith is always a winning situation!

This video makes you realize how sharing Christ with just one person can have a ripple effect and lead so many others to our Lord. Don’t be discouraged if you feel like you sow and never reap! You are sowing what someone else may reap later. No sincere effort is lost!

We have so many opportunities each day to plant seeds in other’s lives in the everyday things we say and do: a smile, a kind word, patience & responding like Christ rather than fleshing out on someone who really deserves it. Can you imagine that day when we stand before the Lord to hear Him say “Well done, Well done indeed!” as He opens our eyes to reveal all those “Nate”s that are in heaven because of us!

From nothing, nothing comes. We must engage, risk, be bold and love unconditionally. Love motivates us to action, open your mouth to share what God has done for you. Don’t wait, this might be your last chance. Live this day as it was your last, knowing that the prize (or treasure) is on the next side of this life.

As christians, sharing Christ to others is an opportunity; a great privilege to honor & glorify God and yet, this is the least that we can do to let the whole world know of Jesus Christ!

Lord I know you’re near to me
I know there’s nothing You can’t see
Help me to be all that You want me to be
Touch my mind, body and soul, set them free

You pick me up when I’m down
Even when it’s my sorrows I want to drown
You love me still in spite of myself
Mostly when I feel I have nothing left
You bless me over and over again

Now I wonder why I ever ran
Your love for me runs deeper than the days run long
It’s no wonder my love for You has grown strong
You have my back when it’s heart that I lack
With You by my side, now I’m on the right track.

It took me a lifetime to get this far
No one but You can see all the scars
I long for the day that they’ll all be healed
But right now it’s each and every one that I feel

The sad thing is: I could have avoided the fall
If I had only given You my all and all
You’ve never tried to force Your love on me
It was always there whenever I was in need

I’ll never find a love more special than Yours
I guess that’s why I kept opening doors trying to find a love that was true
Hmmm, maybe I’ll snap my fingers and it’ll appear out of the blue
I’ve already tried that fairy tale
That one is setup so you can only fail

Everything I need or want, I’ve found in You
The peace that I have is the absolute proof.

- – - written by Sondra L. Settles