Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: PICNIC (07/14/22)
-
TITLE: Ants At A Picnic | Previous Challenge Entry
By Doug Laird
07/21/22 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Nothing gets the attention of the American society faster than something that can significantly impact one's pocketbook.
Due to financial liabilities, sponsors and or organizers of picnics, celebrations, and get-togethers, have either eliminated or impose strict restrictions, on the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
For many, a picnic without booze would be like Christmas without Santa.
The “need” to get high or drunk in order to experience a better or even a “good” time, is a clear indicator of the extent that alcohol and other mind-altering substances can has on the ones it has enslaved.
“… for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved (2Pet. 3: 19 NASB).”
For the record, Scriptures can be found that endorse the consumption of alcoholic beverages in order to participate in Communion (1), to address (2) physical, as well as (3) psychological and circumstantial conditions.
Jesus turned water into wine to be consumed by the guests at a wedding (4).
God included the consumption of four cups of wine during the celebration of Old Testament Passover and the drinking of wine as part of the New Testament Communion celebrations.
Jesus was thought of by some to be a party guy (5), but know that He did not do so to the extent that it amounted to sin, as this would have compromised His status as the spotless Lamb of God (6).
On the other hand, Scripture speaks against the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons in positions of leadership (7).
Scripture cites negative consequences resulting from the consumption of alcohol (8).
Emergency rooms, divorce courts, and prisons are filled with people as a result of things they (or others) did while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
So, where does that leave us?
To the extent, if any, that an advancing disciple should consume alcoholic beverages is an individual choice that he or she must make (9).
But under no circumstances is an advancing disciple justified in reaching a level of overt drunkenness, or to engage in alcohol-related criminality (10).
Note that one will exceed the blood alcohol levels associated with drunk driving long before reaching the stage of what most folks would consider one to be drunk.
The advancing disciple will not allow his or her own freedom to become a stumbling block to others (11).
Solomon in his search for happiness experimented with alcohol (12), only to discover its futility.
Sponsor-imposed limitations and restrictions can be arranged by hosting their picnics and get-togethers in locations (public parks, beaches) where possessing and drinking alcoholic beverages by anyone at any age are prohibited by local ordinances and state laws.
Sponsors of picnics and get-togethers at, in, or on private properties can “take the keys” and only surrender them to an appropriate, designated driver.
Responsible sponsors will arrange for the safe transportation home (or provide lodging) for attendees who have crossed the line, potentially placing themselves and others in harm’s way.
With the legalization of recreational marijuana, addressing this practice is likely going to be added to the list of responsibilities for sponsors to address.
Intoxicated individuals can be difficult to reason with, but it is better to lose a friend for the moment than to permanently lose a friend in a drunk-driving crash because YOU failed to do the right thing.
The expression, ants at a picnic, goes beyond an onset of an invasion of annoying insects.
Ants at a picnic can be anyone or any thing whose actions or inactions would diminish the party atmosphere.
Doing the right thing at the right time by one’s example, words, or actions, will not make one the life of the party, but that might be the very reason God had you, as His ambassador, go there in the first place (13).
___________
(1) 1Cor.11: 26 (2) Tim. 5: 23 (3) Prov. 31: 6, 7 (4) John 2: 1 - 10 (5) Luke 7:34 (6) John 1: 29 (7) Prov. 31 (8) Gen.9: 21- 25/Gen.19: 35 -38/Lev. 10: 9 (9) 1Cor. 10: 31 (10) Eph. 5: 18 (11) Rom. 14: 21/1Cor. 8: 9 (12) Eccl. 2: 3 (13) Esther 4: 14.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Interesting as well as educative. However, FW.com guidelines, unless they have changed recently [check it out], advise against repeating the topic and title in the body of the entry and too many scriptures [recommended:3-5] even in other writings.
Personally, like you, I love repetitions for emphasis but rules are rules.