Alcohol

Only five months ago, I loved consuming alcohol. It's part of college culture, it's a fun social setting, and it's a symbol of adulthood. I'm not going to lie...I've experienced all drinking personas: the desperate freshman, the desperate freshman whore, the dumb girl, the drunk texter, the girl that needs someone to get taken care of, the frat boy, the frat boy wingman, the hair holder when someone throws up, the third wheel, the apple of a frat boy's eye, the tease, and the 'unaffected by alcohol' person.

For the longest time, I couldn't see the dangers of alcohol. As long as I wasn't cussing, making out with a guy, drunk texting, or throwing up, it was okay to feel the effects of alcohol.

But about a month ago, something clicked. Alcohol lowers inhibitions. Inhibitions stop you from saying and doing dumb things. These actions, such as stealing trash cans, making out with a random person, or getting into a fight, are things you'll never do if sober. Those actions are foolish and sinful. Therefore, inhibitions prevent foolishness and sinfulness.

As Christians, aren't we supposed to be fighting sin?

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is goos and acceptable and perfect." -Romans 12:2

We fight sin by allowing God to work in our lives. Through church, Christian friends, and scripture, he strengthens our armor against sin.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, stand firm."-1 Peter 6:10-13

Therefore, God strengthens your inhibitions with his word. His word prevents you from folly and sinfulness. As we enrich ourselves with Scripture, our armor against Satan becomes stronger. Our armor of God includes our inhibitions. As alcohol lowers your inhibitions, it weakens your armor; and I spent a lot of time strengthening my armor.

Is a few shots worth it then? I spent way too much time working on my armor of God because I know what's at stake: my sanctification.

Therefore, the effects of alcohol (tipsiness and drunkedness) are not worth it to me.

This is not implying that you should never drink alcohol. Just stop before you feel its effects...