The Spirit Shop

The debates over drinking have lasted for decades, perhaps centuries. Questions have been asked and answered, though the answers have been inconsistent. Through it all the abuse of intoxicating drinks remains.

Wine and strong drink have been around at least since the time of Noah (after the flood). See Genesis 9:20-21 for the first biblical reference to wine, strong drink and a vineyard.

It is clear from scripture that drunkenness is a moral issue. Drunkenness is sin. Many people justify drinking by simply asserting that the Bible does not condemn drinking, only drunkenness. Even so, let’s step back from all the ‘nit-picking’ arguments and take a look at something God revealed.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. 

 —Proverbs 20:1

Wine and strong drink are personified. We understand this kind of figure of speech. However, we must not overlook the reality presented by this poetic picture: Wine and strong drink have an effect on the personality of the one drinking.

Intoxicating drink changes a person. We could talk about physiological changes. However, the changes are not purely physical. If the effects were, for example, a weakened body, or baldness, or decaying teeth, then we could reason that the effect was purely physical.

However, intoxicating drink changes one’s personality, disposition, and the ability to think. A person becomes a mocker and a brawler (fighter). Once the intoxicating drink gets into the blood stream, the change is beyond a person's control. Mints might mask one’s breath, but they won't magically remove the alcohol from one's body. (Hollywood often presents a false view of recovery from drunkenness.)

There are changes that occur as intoxicating drink affect the mind and emotions of a person. In Scripture the spirit of man is intimately connected to the human intellect, emotion and the human will. Physically, the human brain is the point of connection to the human spirit. From the body to the brain to the human spirit, intoxicating drink changes a person without asking permission.

In simple terms, intoxicating drink causes a person to temporarily lose control of his/her thinking, emotions and will.

Drink deeply from the words of the Apostle Paul:

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.

--Ephesians 5:18

Do you see the contrast?

Being filled with the Spirit of God stands in stark contrast to drunkenness, that is, being filled with intoxicating drink.

The Bible teaches that the Spirit of God dwells within each Christian to enable and assist. The Spirit of God cannot enable you in your pursuit of godliness, cannot assist you to do God's will, cannot bring comfort into your life when He is forced out of your being by intoxicating drink.

Drinking wine and intoxicating drinks is no laughing matter. Nor is it merely a moral issue, as if a mere religious rule. Your spiritual well-being is at stake.

Will you choose to be filled with the Spirit of God or the spirits of mockery and brawling from the local ‘spirit shop’?


Mark Stinnett

April 2, 2023

Dads, What Is the Best Gift You Can Give Your Kids?

My dad had an old mantel clock that he received from his father. It belonged to his father’s father. I’ve always thought it was a beautiful piece. It holds sentimental value because it belonged to my great-grandfather, and because my dad literally took it apart, piece by piece, cleaned all the pieces and put it back together -- correctly.

A few years ago mom and dad visited and brought the clock. I am the oldest son, actually, their only son. The intended to keep the clock in the Stinnett family and wanted to give me the clock while they were still alive. It was a wonderful and moving gesture, but honestly, I never really cared much about the clock.

Don’t get me wrong (and don’t tell mom), the clock is a beautiful piece. It still holds sentimental value. However, it IS just a clock.

Dad is gone now; the clock remains. Thankfully, the clock is NOT all that Dad left behind. He was a Christian man, a man of integrity, a true servant. By his life he taught many lessons that are of much greater value than the clock. His words of wisdom are still with me. His devotion to Christ and dedication to God’s word stand as an example to follow.

The clock was a special gift, but his life...a far greater gift.

   A righteous man who walks in his integrity-- 
   How blessed are his sons after him.
   --Proverbs 20:7

Dads, when it comes to our children we have a responsibility. Each day we have a choice. We choose what we will leave behind for our children.

It's fine to leave behind clocks and other things, but wouldn't you like to leave behind the really good stuff? Let's leave our children something far superior to the 'stuff' we possess. Let's leave our children a life of righteousness and integrity that reflects the way of Christ!

True Gems

How many times must we be told?
How many ways can it be said?
Will we ever get it?

     There is gold, and an abundance of jewels;
     But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.
     --Proverbs 20:15

Wealth is not wrong, but let’s not even begin to rationalize all the 'stuff' we own.

A person who has wealth knows quite a lot about material things; knows how to obtain material things; knows how to maintain material things; knows material things.
In the end... * poof * ...gone.
What a waste...of life.

A person who has knowledge, true knowledge, knowledge of God, knowledge of God's ways, knows God. And he knows how to truly live...
so he lives...
and he lives...
forever...
...

When a Handshake Meant Something

Frustration?
That’s an understatement.

Times have changed. There was a time when a man’s word was his bond. A gentleman’s agreement meant something. A firm handshake sealed the deal. It was a time when integrity and honesty were held high as marks of good character. Nowadays everything needs a legal document . . . because so many people are not trustworthy. Frustrating, to say the least.

What changed?

Men still make claims. Men still desire for their word to be their bond. Yet, words are spoken, promises broken. American politics is a vivid example of the ‘state of the union.’ (Maybe we should have a contract drawn up with all those 'promises' before elections.)

   Many a man proclaims his own loyalty,
   But who can find a trustworthy man?
   --Proverbs 20:6

The proverb is telling in every age; certainly in our day. People make claims. Perhaps they believe their claims. Perhaps they are full of good intentions. Yet, as the saying goes, “Talk is cheap.” That is Solomon’s point. Anyone can make claims. Yet, how rare and refreshing it is to find a person who lives up to his/her word.

The reality of this proverb is clear. But is that it? Was it written merely to exclaim the difficulty in finding someone who is true to their word? Or is there something more?

• Do you ever tell a friend that you will do something, but then make an excuse and bail out when a 'better offer' comes up?
• Do you tell everyone 'yes' because you do not want to hurt anyone's feelings?
• Do you make promises you cannot keep?

Recognizing the rare and precious value of a person of integrity, one who values honesty and proves himself to be trustworthy by his actions, I think we should ask ourselves a question: 
Am I trustworthy?