“All things are lawful to me! This is the age of grace!” This is the battle cry of many believers today when approached on moral issues, especially the issue of drinking. Some use I Corinthians 6:12 to validate their behavior. However, they neglect to finish the verse: “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”

We cannot do whatever we want and maintain a right relationship with our Savior. Sinful behavior will drive a wedge between us and the Lord. Paul did not mean anything goes, and he did not live lawlessly. In fact, he did everything he could to avoid stumbling or causing others to stumble.

Alcohol is a great deceiver, a demonic concoction formulated in the devil’s mind and served up to the world as an antidote to the cross of Christ. Satan promised Adam and Eve the hope of being like God with simple fruit from the garden, and we know how that story ended. There is better fruit to seek after—the fruit of the spirit.

The fruit of the Spirit: The fruit of Alcohol:
Love Self satisfaction
Joy Emptiness
Peace Selfishness
Long Suffering Anger
Gentleness Lack of self-control
Goodness Harm to others and ourselves
Faith The burden of sin
Meekness Dulled senses
Temperance Addiction

What are you looking for in life? If you desire what is listed beneath the fruit of the Spirit, then break free from Satan’s lies about what will make your life better and follow God’s truth. His love, restored fellowship with Him, and the daily blessings He will bestow on you are far better than any beverage could ever be.