Eat, Drink and Rejoice During the Feast...but Always Be a Good Example

"Be careful…that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak" (1 Corinthians 8:9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
See All..., New International Version). These words of wisdom and admonishment from the apostle Paul apply to every aspect of life and every day of the year, but perhaps are most vital during the Feast of Tabernacles.

Karen's Story

Karen (not her real name) was an attractive young lady in her mid 20s who began attending God's Church several years ago. Even though she had attended only a couple of months, she was excited to attend her first Feast of Tabernacles and went to a popular site along with some members from her church area. She had high hopes of meeting other young adults and learning more about God's way of life.

After the Feast I was troubled to learn that she had returned home after only a few days at the Feast site. When we contacted her, the disappointment in her voice was obvious. She related how she had attended a young adults' get-together and was shocked by the amount of alcohol consumed and the obvious overdrinking. After two or three evenings of the same experience, she decided that this church was not for her. She has not attended services since.

I wish the account of Karen were made up. I also wish it were only a one-time occurrence and would never happen again. Unfortunately, we hear too often of get-togethers where abuse of alcohol has occurred, especially among young adults and singles. As a pastor and shepherd of God's people, it is deeply troubling to know of "little ones" who are offended (Matthew 18:6But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
See All...) by the poor example or weak character of Church members—who should know better.
Our Example Is of Extreme Importance

Wine and other alcoholic beverages can be a blessing if used in moderation (Judges 9:13And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?
See All...). We all know that the first recorded miracle of Jesus Christ was to turn water into wine at a wedding celebration (John 2:1-11 [1] And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
[2] And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
[3] And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
[4] Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
[5] His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
[6] And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
[7] Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
[8] And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
[9] When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
[10] And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
[11] This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

See All...).

We are given permission to consume "wine or similar drink" while keeping God's Feast of Tabernacles, but this is to be done in a godly way, knowing that we are in God's presence and we are keeping the Feast so we can "learn to fear the LORD your God always" (Deuteronomy 14:23And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
See All..., 26).

While keeping the Feast, God's people are on display as during no other time of the year. People in the communities where we meet take notice of what we do and what kind of people we are. Overall the reports that come back are very positive. Property managers at motels, restaurants and meeting facilities often rave about the excellent conduct of our youth and the cooperation among our attendees. Observing Church members keeping the Feast may be the first contact some people have with the truth, so the example we set is of extreme importance.

While drunkenness is common in society today and is increasingly accepted on college campuses and among young adults, it is a sin that can keep you out of God's Kingdom.

Jesus warns us, "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with…drunkenness…and that day will close on you unexpectedly" (Luke 21:34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
See All..., NIV). The references in Paul's writings that explicitly condemn abuse of alcohol are numerous. Galatians 5:19-21 [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.

See All... is one place that includes drunkenness (along with murder, witchcraft and adultery) as a sin that will keep you out of God's Kingdom.

We need to understand that this is a very serious sin, not something that we can play around with and see just how close we can come to the line without crossing it.
Self-Control and Brotherly Kindness

Drinking alcohol is an issue of self-control, something Christians are to be aware of and growing in. Peter admonished his followers, "Make every effort to add to your faith goodness…knowledge; and…self-control" (2 Peter 1:5And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
See All..., NIV). He also adds the qualities of "brotherly kindness" and "love" (verse 7). Knowing when to stop drinking, and perhaps even telling a friend that he or she has had enough, can be showing brotherly kindness and love.

Years ago I heard a minister advise his congregation that setting a limit of at most two alcoholic drinks in an evening is a good benchmark. Over the years I have observed that this was excellent advice. (Of course, some people susceptible to alcoholism or abuse make the wise choice not to drink at all.)

The telltale symptoms of alcohol overuse, detailed for us in Proverbs 23:29-35 [29] Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
[30] They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
[31] Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
[32] At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
[33] Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
[34] Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
[35] They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

See All..., usually begin with the third drink. These behaviors cross the line of what God expects for us. Proverbs warns us not to be deceived by thinking we can keep drinking and not be affected. "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise" (Proverbs 20:1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
See All..., NIV).
Let Your Light Shine

Each of us should take some time to consider our example as we keep God's Holy Days. We will be hearing God's Word brought to us in inspiring messages. We will enjoy beautiful accommodations, nice meeting rooms, Christian fellowship and sumptuous meals together. People outside of our group will be observing our actions, as will new ones in the faith who are attending for the first time.

How you conduct yourself will have an impact on the lives of others. Your responsibility is to make sure that your impact reflects well on God and His Church.

Why not memorize these words and keep them in mind as you keep the Feast of Tabernacles this year: "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
See All..., NIV). UN