A Dangerous Liquid

A DANGEROUS LIQUID

            One of America’s greatest preachers was licensed to preach the gospel on December 30, 1823 in New York.  Charles Finney had been a drunken lawyer before his conversion to Christ.  He said the Lord turned alcohol into food in the Finney house.  Then almost thirty years later Rutherford B. Hayes and his wife Lucy were married on December 30, 1852.  He became President of the United States and took his conservative views on alcohol to the White House.  As devout Methodist they began every morning with prayer and organized Sunday Evening Worship services at the Capitol.  Lucy was the first First Lady, with a college degree.  She had a gift of hospitality and an open commitment to Jesus Christ.  One thing she didn’t bring was alcohol.  In fact, she banned alcohol from all Executive Mansion events.  Washington was shocked and nicknamed her “Lemonade Lucy”.

            We preach against drugs, smoking and gambling today.  Actually, we don’t much, the government does it for us but we don’t say much about alcohol consumption anymore.  I remember Oklahoma as a dry state and how my father visited the bootleggers (a term that came from hiding illegal whiskey in ones boot entering an establishment), it was hidden and somewhat immoral.  So today we have legalized nearly every ancient vise and we are gagging on the fruit of the forbidden trees.  Our prisons, jails and court systems are full.  For years I did city and county jail ministry and became quite familiar with the initials DUI which led to an arrest and other initials like AA.

            Please understand, I am neither judging nor condemning, yet I do know God offers free and powerful help.  “Do not be drunk with wine which leads to debauchery (excessive drinking and departure from virtue) but be filled with the Spirit.”  Eph. 5:18.  You see, the next few days lead to the most dangerous time of the year, New Years Eve parties.  The Highway Patrol tell us most fatal accidents have involved alcohol.  A car becomes a deadly weapon putting the innocent at risk.  I work the local Emergency Room and have seen the results.  Don’t drink and drive.

            So, once again I’m meddling by stepping away from the Israelites and into contemporary society.  Please be wise, be safe, be sober and if you’re looking for a good time…Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and life more abundantly.”  John 10:10

Chaplain Larry Sparks

12/26/07