Counsels on Lifestyle

Counsel #3 — Substance Abuse In Recreation

Picture: Counsel #3 — Substance Abuse In Recreation CLi 5.1

Christian socializing is a gift of God to enjoy with a clear mind, unimpaired by alcohol, recreational drugs, or other mind dulling substances. Enjoying fellowship and encouraging each other spiritually are benefits of Christian socializing. Recreation is core to socializing, enhancing life not diminishing it. If you have previously felt that alcohol is the core of socializing, you may find alcohol-free socializing awkward at first, but ultimately greatly improved as you develop deeper, more meaningful friendships.^[3] CLi 5.2

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18 NKJV CLi 5.3

“Satan gathered the fallen angels together to devise some way of doing the most possible evil to the human family. One proposition after another was made, till finally Satan himself thought of a plan. He would take the fruit of the vine, also wheat, and other things given by God as food, and would convert them into poisons, which would ruin man’s physical, mental, and moral powers, and so overcome the senses that Satan should have full control.” Ellen White in Review and Herald, April 16, 1901, par. 7 CLi 5.4

Reflect: Substance abuse destroys connections in friendships/relationships. Has alcohol or drug use ever impaired recreation in your relationships? CLi 5.5