Mark 7-8

So today the verses that really stick out to me are verses 18-23 of chapter 7.

"18 “Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? 19 For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)

20 He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. 21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”"

All foods are clean. This is again seen in Acts 10 with Peter's vision.

Generally I do not drink alcohol. There are many reasons, but none of them are 'because I am Christian'. This verse as well as Acts show that it isn't the alcohol that is bad. Jesus was not opposed to drinking, he made the water into wine (John 2). Timothy was instructed to drink wine instead of the polluted water that was making him sick (1 Tim 5:23).

One reason I don't want to drink is the chances that I do stupid things afterwards. Being drunk impairs judgement and makes it easier for evil to come out of our hearts into reality. Eph 5:18 "Do not get drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Don't get drunk is what that is saying, since it leads to "extreme indulgence in sensuality" aka sexual immorality. The verse also implores us to be filled with the Spirit, which we need daily for guidance, wisdom, and strength to follow His commands, which will ultimately also help us avoid drunkenness.

But we can drink, right?

1 Cor 10:23 "“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up."

Yesterday I did drink. I was camping with a couple non-Christian friends and had been praying that it would be a great time and have many opportunities to share my faith in Christ as well as chances to build a deeper friendship since I really only just met them a week ago.

God really answered prayer and so much happened. lol

Nearing sunset we were going to play a game of 'Never have I ever', the drinking version. lol. At this point it was mainly meaningless fun, but even that has benefit, right? What is more beneficial: me sharing the gospel and then walking away, or me sharing the gospel with my words and my life and continuing to build a friendship with them for further opportunities?

1 Cor verses 10:31-33 "31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved."

It was one can. You are allowed to drink. It was so I could continue to be part of their journey to Christ, so that they may be saved.

I am very happy I didn't sit there condemning their drinking because 'I don't really drink'.

What do you think about drinking alcoholic beverages? Have you ever been in situations where your usual answer might be the wrong one?