Be Balanced between Law and Grace
ICS Daily Devotions

1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (AMP) All things are lawful [that is, morally legitimate, permissible], but not all things are beneficial or advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. Let no one seek [only] his own good, but [also] that of the other person.

Christians should avoid swinging to the two extreme ditches of grace and law. If we view everything as lawful, we will swing to grace and border on lawlessness. On the other hand, we tend to be legalistic and judgemental if we swing to law. Therefore, balancing law and grace well on matters such as drinking is vital because while all things are lawful, not all things are beneficial.

1 Timothy 5:23 (NKJV) No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.

The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to drink a little wine to ease his stomach problem. Jesus turned water into wine, but we don’t know what the alcohol content was in wine at that time. Jesus never contradicted the teaching of the Word.

While the Bible did not specifically instruct us not to drink, we need to know there is a big difference between drinking and being drunk. The Bible is clear that we should not be drunk. Everything begins with a little before it progresses to excess. Some think it is not a party or a celebration without wine, as though alcohol brings the celebration to the next level, but that’s the thinking of the world. Excessive and heavy drinking is wrong and sinful, not only damaging our liver but also allowing other foolish behaviour that comes with intoxication. Our bodies have been purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore, God owns our bodies, and we are responsible for protecting and taking good care of them.

Proverbs 20:1 (NKJV) Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

Drinking should not be a coping mechanism for Christians. We are to pray and cast all anxieties upon the Lord because He cares for us. We also have a caring and loving church community to journey with us when we are under stress or in adversity.

Alcohol blurs our judgement, and drunkenness puts us out of control, to the point of turning physically and verbally abusive and becoming a brawler in public and at home. Alcohol fuels domestic violence.

Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV) And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

Christians can be joyful and celebratory when filled with the Spirit of God. We can sing songs of praise and worship to honour God. In contrast, we can’t say things to glorify God while half drunk, and we will stumble our brothers and sisters when intoxicated with reckless behaviour. As Christians, we can do many lawful and permissible things, but not everything is beneficial for our spiritual growth and development. We must be wise in choosing what is necessary and what need not be part of our lives.

Sermon Series： Not all things are beneficial