The risks may outweigh the benefits

Good morning, everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Live long, live well”

Our Bible verse for today: “Don’t continue drinking only water but use a little wine because of your stomach and frequent illnesses.” 1 Timothy 5:23 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “The risks may outweigh the benefits”

This morning we will continue our discussion from yesterday regarding the use of alcohol as a beverage. As was noted, one of the factors people living in the geographic Blue Zones seemed to have in common was the lifelong habit of consuming one or two alcoholic beverages per day. Not drinking to excess, but one or two. The research showed:

“Epidemiological studies seem to show that people who have a daily drink per day of beer, wine, or spirits may accrue some health benefits. But the secrets of the Blue Zone suggest that consistency and moderation are key. In Okinawa, it’s a daily glass of sake with friends. In Sardinia, it’s a glass of dark red wine with each meal and whenever friends meet … A daily drink or two has been associated with lower rates of heart disease …”

However, the news is not all good and much of it is contradictory. While some studies show there may be some limited benefit to moderate alcohol consumption, some others show the opposite. Again, quoting from the book “Blue Zones”:

“Beware, however, of the toxic effects of alcohol on the liver, brain, and other organs – along with the increased risk of accidents … alcohol has also been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer … the risk of drinking can outweigh any health benefits.”

Additionally, studies sponsored by the American Heart Association and various prestigious medical schools and institutions show that even moderate regular use of alcohol raises your blood pressure both in the short-term and long-term. Some of those studies indicate that even two drinks per day over a sustained period can add 10-15 points to your resting state blood pressure and increase your likelihood of developing hypertension by 11% or more.

I personally do not believe the case can be made that the consumption of alcohol as a beverage is a sin. The Biblical evidence for that simply is not there. Drunkenness is a sin; having a glass of wine with dinner probably is not. Again, when it comes to letting the Bible speak for itself on this or on any other issue, we must trust that God has told us everything He wants us to know on the subject and that He has been as clear about it as He wanted to be. So, we need to let the Bible speak for itself without reading our own biases into it and without trying to make it say more than it really does say.

But in terms of living long and living well, I believe the evidence is not in alcohol’s favor. In addition to being a potentially addictive substance, the health risks associated with even moderate use seem to outweigh any potential benefits.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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