Proverbs 31:4-6 (NLT)
“And it is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave liquor. For if they drink, they may forget their duties and be unable to give justice to those who are oppressed.”

The Danger of Distraction

In vino veritas—in wine there is truth—but in indulgence there is often a loss of reality. This is not a lecture on drinking; it is a focus on the vices that distract us or cause us to lose clarity regarding right choices. Too much of any indulgence can cause you to lose sight of what is truly important.
For some, the “wine” is money, a car, chocolate, sports, sleep, or even a specific person. Some vices are simply stronger than others, and they carry a controlling effect. As a leader and a believer, you must always be “combat-ready” to obey the commands of the Lord. If your mind is clouded by a craving, you cannot execute the King’s justice for the oppressed. You cannot lead others if you cannot lead yourself.

The Practice:

Mastering the Cravings

1. Identify Your “Wine”
What is your vice? It is vital to acknowledge and admit this to yourself. You cannot defeat what you refuse to define. Is it an appetite, an attitude, or an attachment? Once you name it, it loses the power of secrecy.
2. Know Your Limits
For some things, the limit is one or two; for others, the limit is none. There are certain things a believer should leave alone altogether for the sake of Christ and their specific purpose. Remember: Whatever you surrender to becomes your Lord. If you can’t walk away from it, it owns you.
3. Guard Your Witness
Be conscious of how you appear to those you are called to lead. Is it worth destroying your witness for the sake of a temporary craving? Are you willing to submit to God and resist your indulgence to keep from misleading a potential believer? Your “freedom” should never become someone else’s “stumbling block.”
4. Find Your Solace in the Source
The believer is called to find their ultimate solace, comfort, and “high” in Christ alone. To need anything other than Christ to cope with life speaks volumes about the state of our spiritual health. When Jesus is truly enough, the “wine” of the world loses its flavor.

Today’s Declaration:

“I am a king and a priest, and I refuse to let any craving cloud my judgment. I identify my ‘wine’ today and I submit it to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I choose a clear mind over a cheap indulgence. My witness is not for sale, and my solace is found in the Savior alone. I am sober, I am alert, and I am ready to lead!”

You can’t handle the weight of the Crown if you’re chasing the lure of the Craving. Today is a great day to make a Fresh Start!
God bless,
+Pastor Kris