Outreach (III) How come you don’t (any longer) get drunk with us?

Within the fellowship of those in recovery (entering into true sanctification) is a spectrum of those who never had a problem with addictive substances,  to those whose addiction is out of control. This morning’s title is a paraphrase of “They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you” (1 Peter 4:4). With regard to the abuse, even Jesus received it,  but from the self righteous,  rather than here (see context),  from the other side. We read that Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners, and was accused (falsely to be sure) of being a glutton and a drunkard (Matthew 11:19). So in these diverse circumstances how do we  give an answer of the hope that is within us?  Let’s look first at a few Scriptures.

Firstly we are admonished not to get drunk,  and warned of the dangers of drink (Ephesians 5:18, Proverbs 20:1). It's  not saying no drink period, and there is freedom. Paul addressing this issue writes  “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’ —but I will not be mastered by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12).  So one of the basic principles,  is to not let anything steal our Christian freedom.  Another principle is to not to cause a brother to stumble.  Paul tells us that if his freedom caused another to stumble (emboldened to partake by our flaunting our freedom), he would refrain from that activity forever (1 Corinthians 8:13).  This is to walk  in love!  But our emphasis this morning, is in terms of outreach,   and so about how we respond in these  situations.  Jesus has an interesting response to His self-righteous accusers (see Matthew 19:16-19).  If we are to respond this way, we would of course need to do so in humility (Galatians 6:1).

In terms of coming out from wild and reckless living, we may no longer do that because we are Christians, but I want to suggest this morning, that putting it that way, may not be the best thing to say. The World already has the false impression that Christianity is mostly about oppressive freedom destroying  rules, rather than a loving, affirming relationship with the Living God.   Of course the Word does not understand true freedom (John 8:31ff), but that for another time.   And  since Jesus,  when He was abused,  did not abuse back (1 Peter 2:23), neither should we.  If you don’t need it (anymore), say so, but do not condemn others. If you find peace and joy in Christ, you can say that.  In particular,  “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).  What I have found, is that though they may have  “abused me” in the beginning, but when they find themselves in trouble,  they know where come to find help. And we don’t want to do or say anything that would hinder that!

Father, when we no longer, or never did,  engage  in wild and reckless behaviour,  it is very natural for others to think we  are implying  that we are better than they. Lord I am in no position to judge or look down on anyone. Please help us Lord more and more,  to be the sort of person for whom such accusations would be false. Show us  any behaviour or attitude that would hinder our being the ambassadors for You that we both want us to be,  in Jesus Name Amen