Several years ago my sister-in-law’s husband passed away. I was asked to provide the oration at the funeral, even though I am not Jewish. I felt directed by God to do so. As I thought back on our discussions over the years, one specific exchange remained vivid as I prepared for his burial. During that conversation he told me that he was interested in spiritual things and that he thought about them regularly, but did not understand how to embrace them so as to control his behavior all day, every day. Since he was a chef, his days were long and stressful. I told him that no one was perfect and that coming to a point where your life is more balanced takes time, effort and intervention by the Holy Spirit – something you only have as a support system through commitment. For some reason or another, the future conversations he wanted to have about spiritual matters never occurred. I am sure that the busyness of his schedule clouded the tugging of the spirit. I am sad to say his desire for God got lost in the stress of his choice of daily life and activities.

When I learned that he was dying of sclerosis of the liver, I knew the road for my sister in law was not going to be easy. This disease like many others, changes the body chemistry, induces mood swings and causes the person to be someone other than the person who once brought joy and smiles. In 1 Corinthians 3:17 Paul talks about the damage we may do to ourselves and the impact that has on our body and relationship with God. Whether it is alcohol, which we refer to as distilled “spirits,” drugs or unhealthy foods, we inflict damage on God’s temple. I am not wise enough to know if there are spirits inside foods or alcoholic beverages and if those spirits enter us as we partake. It would not seem so with scriptures like 1 Timothy 5:23. However, one must also balance that invitation to partake with what I believe to be a strong admonition to avoid drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18) or drinking if it becomes a stumbling block to others. (1 Corinthians 8:9)

The reality is that there are consequences for our lifestyle. For some that means disease that impacts their behavior. However, even if an individual has diabetes (food), sclerosis of the liver (alcohol), or a wide variety of other diseases caused by recreational drugs (such as amphetamines and cocaine) they still have the capacity in most cases to control their behavior. Unfortunately, the food, drink, and drugs desensitize the normal reasoning capacity, keeping the person from responding properly. Are those actions the real person or a spirit inside them? Whether it is a spirit or not is irrelevant because the person has given away their ability to be themselves. They have consensually given their freedom of choice. That can be compared to postponing or procrastinating or avoid doing what God has placed in front of you to do. And, that as innocent as it may seem, IS a decision.

My children make the last phrase of 1 Corinthians 6:12 your mantra: “I will not be mastered by anything,” except the Spirit of God. Please do not give away your freedom of choice to food, drink or drugs, or another person.

Love Dad