So…We Should Talk. (And THEN Take Swift Action)
Recently I had an almost catastrophic run in with over drinking publicly. I have had incidents in the past but this could have potentially been the worst as far as consequences go. The stakes were higher that high and I did the exact same dumb mistakes. I ate too little, drank a mix of things in little quantities that I thought was manageable and didn’t drink enough water at the right points and it ended up blowing up in my face. Honestly even rookie level people who drink understand the importance of eating, water and not mixing liquors. Sad to say, but dropped the ball. Graciously, GOD curbed all the blows and ensured that I dodged all the shots that could have hit and made a huge mess. Apa, I am so grateful. Thank You very much.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour”.
1 peter 5:8
I don’t know wether it’s the fact that I graduated from drinking literal only smirnoff ice to actual liquor not too long ago but every now and then, these episodes happen where I am unable to gauge just how much is ok to drink and unfortunately it happens at the worst possible times. I shared a story publicly in my first book “Unboxed” which is free for download here, of my very first ever run in with the “sting of alcohol” on my graduation night at a beach party in Lagos. Writing that wasn’t easy and having to say that all these years later I am still dealing with this on occasion is embarrassing and annoying but perhaps it continues to pop up because I haven’t been angry enough at the situation to spur me into taking strict measures to ensure it never happens again.
I never grew up around alcohol, my parents never drank and perhaps that explains my immaturity and nativity about it. Yes, being a constantly drunk is a sin, but so is being publicly intoxicated randomly on occasion. As a Christian it is my responsibility to treat the business of representing the Kingdom of GOD everyday, in every way and every where I go very seriously. It’s not wise to continue to treat with levity such an issue that has the potential to give the enemy incredible leverage over you.
Necessary Measures.
After this most recent “sting episode”, I’ve been thinking and I’ve made some decisions. I need to have boundaries around alcohol and strictly enforce them for the rest of my life. I don’t have an alternative to this course of action anymore because leaving it up to chance and making room for the occasional mess up is unacceptable. I can think of 4 specific occupations where this episodes have happened. Blackouts, being rude and not remembering the events WHILE OUTSIDE YOUR HOME is never ok. To trivialize this would be foolish, It is an extremely dangerous situation to put oneself and I want to ensure that no slip ups every occurs again. Something drastic must be implemented to avoid any future mishaps. GOD saved me this time and even used it for His purpose but I must plant firm guardrails now and very publicly so that I can be publicly held accountable for them.
Now What?
Ever heard people say that they’re sick of the hypocrisy of Christians and complain about how off putting it is? Yh, I’m right there with you and THAT’s why I refuse to claim that I’ll never drink alcohol again knowing that I will. The point is self control and discipline not fear filled avoidance. So, to avoid any pain from condemnation especially self condemnation, exposing myself to making poor decisions, giving the enemy access to getting any leverage to taint my testimony with and worst of all, displeasing GOD i have made is my new contract with alcohol public by writing this blog to encourage accountability.
It’s an absolute miracle to me that I can even write about all this half in jest today because I was in such pain over this issue not so long ago. Have you ever experienced where your emotional pain becomes physically painful before? It was nuts! I’ve never experienced that before. My heart was literally hurting because I thought I had Misrepresented GOD, hurt someone I love and disappointed myself. Thankfully GOD reassured me on somethings and showed my His perspective and in every way I am so grateful to Him for all of it, BUT for those hours where I didn’t have this clarity and revelation of his salvation, I WAS IN AGONY. I Never want to go through that again.
So here it goes. Before Apa and man, I declare these things, putting them out as a public sign post to myself. I will never be publicly intoxicated again.
So help me GOD.
