“Woe unto him that gives his neighbor drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness” (Habakkuk 2:15).

Go ahead. Call me old fashioned, but I still believe social drinking is sinful. As a foster parent, police chaplain, marriage counselor, and pastor, I have witnessed firsthand the devastation of alcohol. I love the alcoholic, but I hate the alcohol. Though it has caused a stir at times, I warned – clearly warned – the churches in which I candidated and then became pastor, that I would not marry anyone if there was going to be drinking at the reception. Why? Because it seemed unthinkable to me to ask God’s blessing upon the couple who in thirty minutes would turn to one of the greatest dangers of the home and family. Drinking has caused such heartache and regret. No wonder Habakkuk proclaims “woe” to those who not only drink but who give it to their neighbor. Yes, you can call me old fashioned, but I still choose to believe the Word of God. How about you?

For today: Choosing to avoid something that can ruin my life, ruin my testimony, and cause others to stumble just seems wise to me. How about you?