Hello, My Name is Lori and...
I'm an alcoholic. Is that shocking? It shouldn't be. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism states that "nearly 20 percent of alcoholics are highly functional and well-educated with good incomes." Researchers at the NIAAA also say that "thirty percent of U.S. adults have experienced alcohol abuse or alcoholism." They also sadly observe that fewer alcoholics are entering into treatment these days.
This isn't really intended to be a post about alcohol abuse but rather about choice. My story is simple really. I come by my alcoholism genetically. I started seriously drinking when I was 12 and didn't stop until I became a Christian at the age of 22, nearly killing myself in the process. I'd like to say I've been consistently sober since that time but I haven't. I have fallen off the wagon a time or two. I have been sober for nearly 18 years now. That is not to say I haven't wanted to drink. Boy, howdy, have I wanted to drink at times! When the urge comes, often at the most unlikely times, I do what anyone has to do when they are tempted, I make a choice and that choice is to not drink, even when I'm traveling alone and no one I know will see, except me and God.
Why do I make the choice to abstain? Is it because alcohol is bad for me? Is it because I know I can't "just have one"? Is it even that I am genetically programmed to crave it so I stay away? Yes, but those aren't the main reasons. The primary reason I don't take a drink is because the Bible says to be drunk is sin. Ephesians 5:17-18 says "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Romans 13:11-14 says also "...The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. ... So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." And as I have stated before, I cannot have just one drink of alcohol. I've tried, believe me.
So now let me tie this into another desire and topic: homosexuality. There is all sorts of talk, books, research, etc. saying things like people are born homosexuals, they don't choose to be. Other sources say it's a choice but it's o.k. to choose that lifestyle. You're not hurting anyone. Be with whoever you feel like being with. Be free to be yourself.
Well, can I be free to be my genetic self which is an alcoholic? I mean, I was born that way, it's how my brain is wired. I feel like drinking so why shouldn't I? I promise not to drive or abuse my family, and still show up on time for work. Where's the harm in that?
Let's just trash all the rationalizations for homosexuality and face the fact that the Bible says it's sin. Really, it does. Old and New Testament. If you really believe you are born that way, then do what we addicts have to do: choose not to. Choose what God says over what the desires of your flesh are. Trust him for the grace to make it through and that your desires will be conformed to His. It won't be easy, but God promises to help us if we call on him.
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death...
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God." (Romans 8)
We are to examine everything we think and everything we do in the light of Scripture, because that is not only the guidebook, but the magnifying glass that God saw fit to give us so that we can live lives that please him. I know that you may not be dealing with the "big issues" but we all deal with something in our lives that isn't the way God wants it to be. So get that light out this week and examine yourself and ask God what he would like you to deal with or change. And let's be glad that we have a God who loves us and is merciful to help us in our struggles!




