19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
This passage of scripture outlines for us in detail some of the more prominent lusts and clamors of our fallen nature, and the passage goes on to state that those who continue to indulge these things cannot inherit the kingdom of God, where all is purity and righteousness. These lusts here spoken of is what we naturally do, and it is only by the grace of God, manifested in our total conversion, can any and all of these propensities and desires be repelled and uprooted.
Prominent amongst the lusts of the flesh are reveling and drunkenness, activities that always bring negative side effects to those who are exercised therein. Just this week a prominent actor and comedian by the name of Robin Williams committed suicide after losing the battle with drug addiction and alcoholism, vices that are extremely difficult to overcome. In our own Caribbean culture we have one of the most well known festive occasions, that actually fosters the indulgence of these and other lusts, better known as Carnival, or as one Calypsonian put it, "Bacchanal time". For those of us who might not know or understand why the word of God speaks against such drunken debaucheries, we have inserted the actual meaning of the word Bacchanal for consideration. Let's read:
Bac·cha·nal: noun.
1 An occasion of wild and drunken revelry. 2. Priest, worshiper, or follower of Bacchus.
The pagan god Bacchus was the god of wine, song, and dance in Greek and Roman mythology, and he is worshiped today by untold millions who have no clue what transpires when "Bacchanal" time comes around. As Christians we are to make no provision for the indulgence of fleshly lusts and clamors, and whenever such festivities come our way, we are counseled in the bible to stay as far away as possible, lest like the Hebrews who became enchanted and overthrown by the clandestine schemes of Balaam, we ourselves fall into the very depths of sin and immorality. Let's read:
Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Miami / Broward carnival is almost here, and many Christians will be tempted in various ways to attend and to bow down to idols, and many more people will become involved with sexual promiscuity and the sin of adultery, yet the Lord has given instructions to the contrary in His word, timely counsels which cannot be disregarded with impunity, for no man can serve two masters, and no one can take fire in his bosom without being burned. Let's read:
Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: 27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? 32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. 33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which calls us to virtue and righteousness, and therefore the liberty that Christ has given us in saving us from such indulgences, should be highly valued and protected, by avoiding the very appearance of evil. Let's read:
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
May The God of heaven enable us to implement these counsels, for they pertain to our temporal and eternal well being. God bless!