365 days sober, yet I am completely drunk.
I am drunk on joy and the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52).
drunk adjective‘dr??k
overcome or dominated by a strong feeling or emotion
While I was lost in sin, going wayward in my own selfish ways at age 23, Christ rescued me when I realized He loved me, died for me, and rose to set me free. He saved me from myself and from all the destructive behavior I was willingly putting myself into. Jesus paid the price for my sin on the cross. He alone changed my heart and He alone is the ONLY one in the heart changing business. Along with that heart change came a shift that moved from inward to outward. The choices I made changed, and are still changing! Along with that, God enabled me to do something I at one time literally felt was IMPOSSIBLE – BUT God likes to do the impossible and He alone gets all the credit.
‘You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you’ -Romans 8:9
A year hiatus from alcohol has in turn become a year of true transformation. I once chose temporary pleasure at the expense of personal long-term, harmful consequences – I did not even bat an eye or think twice about consequences. Isaiah 5:22 held true to my character until Jesus placed giving up alcohol on my heart.
‘Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and champions at mixing drinks’
I was no hero. There was no fighting crime going on when I drowned myself in wine or thought I could see with the best beer goggles on the planet… nor was I the champion I believed I was in the past.
Without God there is noooo way in a million years I would even be here telling you about being sober.
Ridding myself of alcohol this past year has changed my perspective. In brutal honesty, at first, abstinence from alcohol was a bit of a prideful endeavor – I desired to prove not only myself wrong but also those who doubted it was possible. After a few months, that prideful view shifted entirely. It surprised even me in the midst of month 2 of sobriety. Not drinking became a voluntary joy as I began leading a group of juniors (now seniors) in High School ministry at The Village Church. It took on the form of having devoted time to exclusively serve God. I have come to realize through this experience that too often we all justify our inconsistencies because listening to God may require us to change the way we live. The more I have learned to deny myself of temporary pleasure, to accept my weaknesses and to depend on God in every detail, the more I have found His wisdom and strength to be sufficient for all of my needs. The expressions of people and students alike became almost as addictive as alcohol. This once prideful personal vow produced fruit in the lives of those around (not just in mine) and in turn became the biggest blessing <3
Alcohol can be a stumbling block for some Christians while for others they see no problem at all with having a beer once in awhile or a glass of wine at dinner. Personally, I believe alcohol in moderation is permissible when at the legal age . In 1 Timothy 5:23 Paul told Timothy to drink “a little wine” (note that Paul said a little). Additionally, Solomon also wrote of enjoying life and God’s gifts with a joyful heart ‘Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do’ (Eccl 9:7).
The key here is to do everything in moderation only. Nothing ever good comes from drunkenness – point blank, memory loss shouldn’t happen in your twenties. I have also adopted the motto ‘Nothing good happens after midnight.’ Late nights drinking, partying, and consuming a bunch of alcohol while tired leads to downright ridiculousness. I know it to be true, and I’m sure you can concur.
So, Let all things be done in moderation – what you eat, what you drink, and how much time is spent – all things for the glory of God.
‘So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.’ -1 Corinthians 10:31
In Celebration of Sobriety of 365 days without a drop of alcohol:
I’m asking all my friends and family to please donate the cost of a drink – $4.00 or more on December 2, 2014 – It’ll be my 27th birthday. Help support and join in on serving those who are less fortunate.
<3
Love yahll and cheers,
nik
Click SUPPORT ME! to donate <3
