Soul Intoxication

image source: pattinsonintoxication

This week's posts are based on Jesus' words of Luke 21:34-35, taken from the Literal Translation, with the original Greek amplified:

"But take heed [pay attention; as a nautical term, to hold a ship in a direction, to sail towards] to yourselves that your hearts not be loaded down [heavily burdened, oppressed, dull, stupid] with headaches [hangover; disgust following intemperance], and drinking [intoxication—see below], and anxieties [distraction; a mind divided by worry and cares] of life, and that day [Isaiah 24:17] come suddenly upon you as a snare [spring on you like a trap], for it will come in on all those sitting on the face of all the earth."

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At some point in our Christian walk, we come to understand that idolatry is far more than the ancient practice of kneeling before a statue or offering sacrifice to it. Idolatry is exalting even the best things in our life—spouse, family, liberty—as more sacred than God. Idolatry is being willing to sacrifice for these things what we will not sacrifice for the one true Lord of Heaven and Earth.

If I'm stretching the following metaphor too far, I don't mind someone pointing out my error. But I'm also inclined to see intoxication as immersing ourselves in pleasure to the extent that our senses are dulled to the things of God. I have the perspective that we (put my name at the top of the list) are far too inclined to excess where things such as these are concerned:

Food
Work / Hobbies
Sleep
Sex
Exercise / Athletics
Study
Novels
Television / Movies
Video Games
Puzzles (crossword, Sudoku, etc.)
Media / Social Networking
__________ (fill in the blank)

These things have a good and useful place in our lives (albeit some items on that list minimally so). To use them to the point of excess, or to dull our senses to the Holy Spirit with them, is soul intoxication.

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
~ Ephesians 5:18-19 (NKJV)

Yesterday: Soul Hangover
Tomorrow: Soul Cares

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