Hired through Intemperance
Heb 12:2 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and
perfecter of our faith." NIV
In a small peninsula in Eastern Newfoundland, in a town
called Bonavista, you can visit an exact replica of the
Matthew, the sailing ship used by John Cabot when he, in
1497, made his place in history by becoming the first
European since the Vikings to discover North America. The
tour of the ship was very interesting, rich in history and
sailing lore; but perhaps the most fascinating story we
heard spoke of how the sailing ships of the 15th century
were manned.
In those days, finding enough willing sailors to man a ship
could prove to be difficult. Sea voyages were long and
dangerous, and many sailors never returned to their homes. If you've never been where you are going, how
will you know how to avoid the many dangers your path may bring
about?
In order to man their sailing vessels, sea captains
had to be creative. Sometimes convicts were granted their
freedom in return for their service aboard a sailing vessel.
Other times, when really desperate, captains took even
harsher measures. Imagine this: You have gone into a tavern
for an evening of drink and cards with the guys. While
there, a perfect stranger wearing a captain's uniform
befriends you:
"Hey mate. Let me buy ye a pin' of beer!"
"Are you talking to me sir?" you ask.
"Aye," answers the captain. "Ye seem a nice lad!"
Surprised, but pleasantly so, you respond with a hearty:
"Yes sir! Thank you kindly, sir!"
The trap is set. The captain or his first mate will make
sure your mug is always full, but as the night wears on, a
strange thing happens to you. First you become a bit dizzy
and start sounding like a fool. Then your speech becomes
completely slurred, and no one can understand what you are
saying. Just a bit more beer, another pint or two, and you
pass out.
Victory for the captain!
When you wake up, you find yourself aboard a sailing vessel
in the middle of the ocean, with no means to return. You can
try to escape, but the consequences are detrimental to your
health! You have only one option and two hopes: Your option
is to pay the price for the free drinks you received by
working for the captain for the duration of the voyage, and
your hopes are that the voyage will be short, no more than 6
months, and that there will no killer storms at sea!
Friends, the consequences of intemperance are always
disastrous. In our day and age, few wake up from their
drunken slumber to find themselves aboard a sailing vessel.
However, in our day and age, intemperance can lead to broken
marriages, addictions, loss of jobs, loss of friends, loss
of savings, and the list goes on. Is it any wonder the Bible
warns against intemperance?
You may think that it was not fair that these poor lads were
`hired` against their will. But whenever you allow yourself
to partake in intemperate behaviour, you hire yourself out to
a life of servitude as well. Only instead of serving a
sneaky sea captain, you will serve an addiction, which can
lead to a life far worse than the one led by these poor
lads. Instead of 6 months, your voyage could last the rest
of your life!
How can you avoid such a life of slavery? It's simple. Stay
focused on Christ. Ask Him to help you detect where these
destructive lures can lead you to addiction. But what do you
do if you have already been ensnared? Is there hope?
Absolutely. Hope is always available if you humbly come to
Jesus and ask for His help. I know what I'm talking about,
for I have been there! Remember, John 8:36 "If the Son sets
you free, you will be free indeed."
Would you like to experience true freedom? Come to the
Christ. He is your only hope.
"Hey mate. Let me buy ye a pin' of beer!"
Rob Chaffart