1 Minute Daily Devotions
April 16, 2008
Advice About Religion and Whiskey
"For we also once were foolish ourselves...But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us..." - Titus 3:3-4
"Bryant," my Daddy always told me, "religion and whisky are a lot alike--too much of either one will get the best of you." That was a co-worker's advice when he heard I had decided to leave the business world for the ministry.
I laughed and had to agree with him, for religion and whiskey can get the best of you. Go overboard with either and you can mess up your life and others' too.
Jesus said to the Pharisees (who were very religious, guilt inducing, and self- righteous) that "their converts became twice the sons of hell that they were." Because Jesus knew religion can get the best of anyone, what He came to offer was a relationship, a healthy relationship, with God. Christianity is not about being religious but about having a relationship with God that gives meaning to your life.
If religion or whisky is getting the best of you, you might try Jesus and enjoy a healthy relationship with God.
Comments on this Devotion
From julie on Apr 16th:
Nobody has comments today, wow!!!I enjoyed this one and have never heard that phrase before, about religion and whiskey, quite interesting.I do very much agree, we have to stop and focus on Jesus and giving the glory to God for everything. If we become religious we forget about Jesus and go overboard on what is right and what is wrong. God will keep us straight if we leave it to him. Have a great day everyone. For Jerry, nine years older than me isn't old!!
From Janice on Apr 16th:
So many have been blessed by the decision of Bryant Wright to "leave the business world for the ministry." Obviously, Bryant knew how to follow the ultimate leader, Jesus Christ. God blesses all who do. Thanks RFTH for all the wonderful devotions.
From Rick Y on Apr 16th:
Those of us who are members of Bryant's church are also blessed that he was in the business world for a time. His leadership skills, combined with his uncompromising, biblically-based Christian values, have allowed our church and this ministry to have a tremendous impact in our local area and world-wide. I pray that more and more people will learn from these devotions what Christianity is really all about. So many today base their opinion on wrong ideas and misrepresentations from the secular media. Unfortunately, some of these wrong ideas come directly from observing or interacting with those who call themselves Christian who do not understand the Christian faith. For, Julie: Thanks for that! I am also Jerry's age.
From Jerry on Apr 16th:
Whiskey and Religion, now that could be the startings of a good sermon. Yes both has broken up alot of good marriages. Religion and salvation are two very different subjects and are worlds apart. I have been told by some old preachers that you can get religious about beating a dog. I have known people who have had "Church" religion. Their every thoughts centered around The church itself, and not on the workings of the Lord. The building itself is to be reverenced and respected but not worshiped. Some times we put too much importance on the jobs we have around the church and not enough on the one who died for us. God said to put him first and then everything else will line the way it is supposed too. We also get to where we put the preacher on a pedestal and we take our eyes off of the Lord and this is wrong. True salvation is the acceptance of the finished work of Jesus Christ on Calvary and finding his will in our lives. When we receive this, then salvation will not ever embarrass, ridicule, put down or every harm us. I have good news on our revival at our church this week. There have been some salvations and renewals of commitments to the Lord this week and we have only had two nights of it so far. I can't wait till tonight. God Bless all and have a good day.