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Moderation, Discipline, and Self-Control
We all know that the Bible has a clear stance on certain actions such as adultery, lying, and stealing, being absolutely sinful. Regardless of how much self-control, discipline, and moderation you think you may have, you are simply fooling yourself if you think that any of these sins are okay to incorporate into your life in any degree. There are certain situations however where practicing these three key qualities will not only enhance your overall level of satisfaction, but also help you to avoid falling into sinful traps. For example, it is a common misconception of Christianity that Christians are not allowed to drink or consume alcoholic beverages. I believe that when abused to the extent of drunkenness that it may certainly be arguable that such acts are quite sinful. The Bible does not condone drunkenness, and in fact warns against it in several verses. (See V*1, V*2, and V*3). All of these verses either imply or directly warn against drunkenness among other sins. It is alarming to note how many of these verses that warn against drunkenness there really are. So much so that we need to take extra special consideration when we choose to take a drink of wine or other alcoholic beverage. We need to ask ourselves questions like "Will this hurt our testimony as a Christian because of the misconceptions others may have about drinking?" and "Am I leading others down the wrong path by example when I drink?" Even if we know we can drink moderately, we really need to consider our surroundings and whether or not the individuals present are mature in faith and would not garner the wrong impression of us because of it. We always need to remember that we are representatives for Jesus Christ and we lead others through our example.
This is not a contradiction by any means, but it does implicate that we should be responsible when we do decide to have a drink. As Christians we cannot help but take note that we lead others spiritually and they do hold us up to a higher standard of living. There are only a couple of verses to my knowledge that seem to indicate that drinking wine and alcoholic beverages is alright either directly or indirectly. (See V*4 and V*5). V*5 in particular needs to be studied carefully and prayerfully, in context, and within the boundaries of our God given common sense. This verse is not a ticket to sin in moderation, on the contrary it helps us to cultivate the idea of leading a balanced lifestyle with the three qualities I outlined above in full force. It also leads me to consider that drinking alcoholic beverages in public, especially in a place where you may be leading by example, may not be harmful, but certainly not helpful either.
I think that it is vital to mention that the Bible, when speaking of wine, may or may not be speaking of fermented wine. This means that when Jesus turned water into wine for example, I am not absolutely certain whether or not it was alcoholic or non-alcoholic wine (grape juice). I believe that the latter would make more sense to me in this case, but I have not done enough research to uncover this truth as I feel it is unnecessary to know for certain. Deuteronomy 14:26 does seem to directly specify "wine or stronger drink" so I would imagine that this verse alone should be considered enough evidence to prove that drinking is not a sin in itself. It is drinking in excess (to the point of drunkenness) that has always been considered sinful based on God's word.
I believe that discipline is essential in our walk with Jesus Christ. By discipline I mean the discipline required to obey a set of rules for example, not in this case do I mean the discipline one would give a child who did something wrong. Without discipline in this sense we are like lost sheep wandering around into all sorts of potential traps, pitfalls, and folly. We must be disciplined in our pursuit of obedience. (See V*6) You would be surprised at the blessings God pours down on those who obey Him. I would venture to say that even simple things such as obeying the speed limits and other laws, honoring God in our thought process, and maintaining a positive outlook may seem like small victories, but I believe they really do add up over time. I am sure that all these things could potentially delight God. We should all try to attain more discipline in fighting against the temptation to fall into evil and certainly try our best to avoid such sins from becoming strongholds in our lives. Once a sin becomes a stronghold it becomes increasingly difficult to get rid of, that is why we should avoid giving the devil even a foothold in our lives.(See V*7).
Self-control particularly when it comes to managing ones temperament and emotions (which I will delve into further detail in the next article #4) is easy to learn, but certainly hard to master. It is definitely a quality which we should all hold in high esteem and aspire to acquire as Christians. The Bible describes one instance in I Timothy 3:2-3 of the position of Bishop and some of its related characteristic qualifications, of which self-control is included. (See V*8). Self-restraint is an integral aspect of self-control that I think we should definitely think about when we think of self-control as a whole. (See V*9)This and abstinence go hand in hand and should be applied to our lives. They also tie into obedience as these qualities of self-control will also indirectly assist you in obeying the law. (Also See V*9)
Now that I have reviewed how moderation, discipline, and self-control tie into certain biblical issues I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to consider the following verse with me when one of our brothers or sisters in Christ stumbles:
Brethren, if any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also.
Galatians 6:1
Let it remind us that if we make a mistake in any of these areas, or any area not mentioned in this article for that matter, that we always have one another as children of God to hopefully lead us back on the right path.
Until next time, may God bless all of you with his favor and blessing in your lives!
-Victor Nunez
Biblical References:
V*1- "Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:21 (Amplified Bible)
V*2- "Happy (fortunate and to be envied) are you, O land, when your king is a free man and of noble birth and character and when your officials feast at the proper time- for strength and not for drunkenness!" Ecclesiastes 10:17 (Amplified Bible)
V*3- "Let us live and conduct ourselves honorably and becomingly as in the [open light of] day, not in reveling (carousing) and drunkenness, not in immorality and debauchery (sensuality and licentiousness), not in quarreling and jealousy."Romans 13:13 (Amplified Bible)
V*4- "And you may spend that money for whatever your appetite craves, for oxen, or sheep, or new wine or stronger drink, or whatever you desire; and you shall eat there before the Lord your God and you shall rejoice, you and your household." Deuteronomy 14:26 (Amplified Bible)
V*5- "Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful( good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power. 1 Corinthians 6:12 (Amplified Bible)
V*6- "Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action), 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. II Timothy 3:16-17 (Amplified Bible)
V*7- " When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. 27 Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]." Ephesians 4:26-27
V*8- " Now a bishop (superintendent, overseer) must give no grounds for accusation but must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, circumspect and temperate and self controlled; [he must be] sensible and well behaved and dignified; [he must be] hospitable [showing love for and being a friend to the believers, especially strangers or foreigners, and be] a capable and qualified teacher, 3 Not given to wine, not combative but gentle and considerate, not quarrelsome but forbearing and peaceable, and not a lover of money [insatiable for wealth and ready to obtain it by questionable means]. I Timothy 3:2-3 (Amplified Bible)
V*9- "Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. Galatians 5:23