Other than mom having a little wine at Christmas, my parents did not drink alcohol. My first husband made up for it, and from those experiences, I know what ‘drunk’ means. I was always the ‘designated driver’ and the morning-after nurse.
In relation to my understanding of drunk, today’s reading strikes me a bit humorous. “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they (the disciples of Christ) were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-13, NKJV)
Verse 13 says those who heard them speak in the various languages of the crowd (gathered for Pentecost) thought they were drunk!
Maybe there are inebriated people who talk in foreign languages, but if I had been there, another feature of this group of believers would have convinced me that they were definitely not drinking. I’ve not yet seen a room full of drinkers who were of one accord!
Sober people don’t get along most of the time, never mind those who are filled with liquid spirits. It isn’t that people can’t agree on some things, but to agree on everything? That takes an act of God, not a bottle of wine!
While not 100% true, our church has a good dose of unity. We’ve had business and financial meetings that are short, fun, and without any argument or stress. That is rare. Many Christians report that unity is lacking in their circles. Since God commands it, what can produce it?
Christian unity is not defined by everyone thinking the same thing. We can pleasantly agree to disagree at times, but that is not quite what unity means. Our love for one another is more important than any issues we might discuss, but that is not what unity means either.
Unity comes when we are filled with the Holy Spirit and thinking in harmony because our thoughts are the thoughts of God. He brings all of us to the same page by giving us His mind, and even His words, on a matter. This unity overrides personal preferences. Our minds can see that God’s mind is the way to think, the best way to go, and we are happy to comply.
This is not being brainwashed. It requires our consent. When things come up, we can still choose to oppose the ideas of the Spirit. The Bible says this grieves Him, yet God does not make puppets of us. Sometimes the only way to learn that He knows best is by trial and error.
My drinking experience is limited, but I do know one thing—being filled with God’s Spirit and being in unity with other believers is a far more exhilarating and satisfying experience than having too much wine—the Holy Spirit never leaves anyone with a morning-after headache!
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