Don't Shoot the Messenger Part 2

Don’t Shoot the Messenger (Part 2)

If you missed yesterday’s blog, you need to go back a read it in order for this one to make sense. I have been addressing the concern of social drinking.

My third point is the lack of consideration of the weaker brother. What I have observed for the past 30 years (15 of those years before coming to America’s Keswick) is the growing militancy on the part of those who hold a position that it is acceptable for Christians to drink socially.

Jan and I were confronted with this issue at the second church were we served in the music ministry. We were blessed with a group of Christian friends who did many things together socially, and we had many wonderful times.

One night at dinner, I was asked if we’d be offend if people in our group would have wine with their meals. My “green-behind-the-ears” answer was this: “if you feel that is ok for you, we are fine with it. However, Jan and I choose not to drink.” At the next dinner, most everyone around the table ordered wine with their meal. The next meal people began to order mixed drinks. Drinking became the focal point at all of our social gathering.

Two tragic situations occurred that help to solidify my position. The first was in a setting with these friends where everyone was drinking except for me and Jan. The group was putting pressure on us to enjoy at least a glass of wine with our meal. We kept refusing, but they kept insisting. Sitting at the table was an unsaved couple that the group wanted to see come to Christ. After listening to the rest of the group putting the pressure on us to drink, the unsaved wife spoke up and said, “Why are you forcing your convictions on them? If they say, “no” you should respect their conviction. Are they making you feel guilty for drinking?” Ouch!

The second situation occurred after an incredible concert at the church. Many people had trusted Christ as Savior during the concert. Jan and I stayed around to talk with those who made decisions, but many of the choir was already at the home of where the choir was going to have a “get-together.” By the time we arrived, the alcohol was already flowing and several people were already feeling the effects of it. Two people were in the pool without their clothes on, and there was another situation of impropriety that occurred that resulted in us leaving the get-together broken-hearted.

What took place that night was a lack of respect for weaker brothers and sisters who being young in the faith, were very confused and harmed by the actions of many who professed to be mature in their faith.

I will finish this tomorrow. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Luke 4-5; Psalm 84; Proverbs 30

Compass Pointers: The best way to stop a bad habit is never to begin it. J. C. Penney

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 12:24-25; Level 2: John 12:24-27

Anchored to the Rock: If your day is hemmed with prayer it is less likely to become unraveled.