Facts about Alcohol Consumption
1. In far too many cases it leads to the disease called alcoholism. At this point it becomes a habit that injures both body and mind. Once started, the alcoholic cannot stop drinking until they are completely intoxicated.
- The World Book Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, pub. 1950
2. Alcohol acts as a narcotic or depressant of the nervous system and brain. Continued use affects many organs, as well as, causes nervous and mental diseases with some cases causing hallucinations, coma or stupor. When used as a substitute for food, alcoholic neuritis may develop.
- The World Book Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, pub. 1950
When we take a close look at alcohol it is a very dangerous drug, so the question is, “Why would we want to promote the sale or use of such a dangerous drug?
Let’s Review Our Priorities
Jesus said that we are to render unto Ceasar what belongs to him and to God that which belongs to Him. As we are approaching this time of thanksgiving, I believe that there has never been a better time to have a conversation about our priorities and consider just what belongs to God and what belongs to Ceasar. John 17:18 “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them, into the world.” Mark 16:15 “And He said unto them , go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” We carry the Gospel in different ways. By the spoken word and by our lifestyle is the two most effective ways. If, in fact, we fail to live the lifestyle, our spoken ministry is not effective.
There are many decisions we make based on our priorities. For example, I listened to a newscast just today where all the medical facilities in one of our neighboring cities proclaimed this a non-smoking day to help people kick the addiction of cigarettes. This is a good thing and I surely will support the program.
However, I do have a problem with priorities at this point. I never hear of these same facilities having a day to help alcoholics kick the habit. Based on CASA at Columbia University the following alcohol statistics and facts were revealed:
- 56% of students in grades 5 through 12 say that alcohol advertising encourages them to drink. In the United States during 2004, 16,694 deaths occurred as a result of alcohol-related motor-vehicle crashes. This amounts to one alcohol-related death every 31 minutes. Since alcohol poisoning happens at least 50,000 times in the
U. S. per year, it is important to know what to do if you experience someone who is overdosing on alcohol. Every year in the U. S., 1,400 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol related accidents and injuries, including vehicle accidents.
Today we are hearing much about the cocaine problem. Based on the same statistics, youth who drink alcohol are 50 times more likely to use cocaine than those who never drink.
Jesus speaking to the Pharisees in Luke 11:42 has this to say, “But woe unto you, Pharisees! For ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over justice and the love of God; these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”
I believe we should help kick the smoking habit, but don’t leave the other more crucial matters off.
-Alcus Brock
CPDWC
Alcus Brock, chairman
(850) 326-2226
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