I Will Boast Only In The Lord

Last Sunday night, one of my sons went to the weekly young adult Bible study at our church. At the last minute, the scheduled speaker, for whom my son has great respect, was called away to perform a surgery. In his place, a professor at a local Christian university college was asked speak.

The professor's topic was the permissibility of drinking alcohol. During the hour-long Bible study, he gave his approval for the young adults, and Christians in general, to drink alcohol, provided that it was done in moderation, at a level to be determined by self. He used Scriptures to back up his approval. He even confessed that his father is an alcoholic, but argued that his own spiritual maturity (with a PhD in whatever) prevents him from becoming one himself.

This professor's so-called Bible study was nothing more than a boast in himself. He revealed just how foolish and spiritually blind he was.

The Bible tells us that we are to boast only in the Lord, so that all who are helpless will take heart. That night, I don't think any hearts of the helpless were directed to look to God.

"I will boast only in the Lord;

let all who are helpless take heart."

Psalm 34:2 (NLT)

We are further told to boast in God all day long.

"In God we make our boast all day long,

and we will praise your Name forever.

Selah."

Psalm 44:8 (NIV)

Since we are never to boast in ourselves, it isn't right for Christians to boast that they don't drink alcohol, just as it isn't right for Christians to boast that they can control their booze. We are simply to boast always about God and think about others.

The Youth Pastor of our church, who was present at the Bible Study, humbly spoke up in disagreement, but chose not to argue with the professor. He simply told the young adults that he has chosen not to drink alcohol for the sake of God, himself, and others. He said nothing more. He didn't need to. His few words spoke volumes, for he is deeply loved and respected by everyone who knows him. He is that kind of a man. Now I ask, can any Christian who drinks alcohol say that they drink for the sake of God and for others?