Introduction

Every fourth Thursday in November, people all over the United States celebrate Thanksgiving. There’s lots of food, a parade, football games, and other frivolity. Family, friends, and loved ones gather together to enjoy this annual holiday.

Just imagine, though, as you sit down to dinner, there’s a knock at the door. As you open it, you find the apostle Paul on your doorstep. How would you react, and would you invite him in?

Our Behavior Behind Closed Doors

What would Paul see as he entered your home? Would it be full of love, comfort, and friendship? Or would it be full of strife, envy, and boasting? Would he find a vast number of alcoholic beverages or other sinful paraphernalia?

People who call themselves Christians tend to utilize the word as a set of clothes. It’s something they put on when they are headed down to the church building, but behind closed doors and the rest of the week, they put on the world instead.

The apostle Peter wrote, Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles–when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. (1 Peter 4:1-4)

In regard to alcohol, most religious people claim that only drunkenness is condemned in scripture. However, if you look at the list there in verse 3, you’ll see ‘drinking parties’ is third in the collection on drinking. That phrase means social drinking. In other words, all forms of alcoholic intake is condemned!

Sin for a Season?

Another excuse these religious people give is, “It’s thanksgiving! We should be allowed to enjoy a cocktail or two to celebrate.” But, of course, it’s not just Thanksgiving. You’ll also include Christmas, Easter, and any other holiday as an excuse to drink.

This reminds me of what is spoken of Moses in the book of Hebrews. The writer states, By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. (Hebrews 11:24-25 ASV)

Moses would rather identify with his kinsmen, and suffer the ill-effects, than to lounge in a lavish house and be known as one of Pharaoh’s own. We should utilize that example and ignore the temptation of alcohol, especially during the holidays, to continue to be right with God.

Ask yourself this question, did Christ suffer and die on the cross so that you and family might carouse for the holidays? Certainly not! He died for our sins, and we should live our private lives the same way we do in public.

Paul wrote, that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Being a Christian is a lifestyle that we need to live 24/7 because God sees and knows everything we do and think, even before we do and think it. He also knows why we do and think about those things.

Conclusion

As we sit down to dinner today, let’s remember what the writer of Hebrews states, And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:13) Our behavior, when we are in our homes, must match that which we show the world. This way we won’t have to hesitate if Paul, or any other apostle, comes for a visit.