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 18:6) 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 9:13). 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). 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 14:23, 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 21:34, NIV). The references in Paul's writings that explicitly condemn abuse of alcohol are numerous. Galatians 5:19-21 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 1:5, 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, 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 20:1, 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 5:16, NIV). UN