If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. (1 Cor. 14:37)
For many years, I used alcohol as a coping mechanism for anxiety. I so often heard in Christian circles that “outlawing” alcohol was legalistic, and “Hey, Jesus turned water into wine!” Yet, I sensed that it was hindering my spiritual life. A verse in 1 Corinthians 6 accosted me: “’I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial.” Sometimes, the Lord has a word just for us. When it came to alcohol, this message was for me, and I couldn’t escape it—though I tried for years. But God’s Word is alive, and he pursued my heart over and over again.
In today’s verse, Paul urged those of us “gifted by the Spirit” to “acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.” When the Spirit sends a message, it’s impossible to tune it out totally. That’s part of being actively holy—choosing to hear and obey. It’s how we are set apart from the world, and we cannot live out our mission on earth fully without it.
The reality of living in holiness is abandonment to obedience. Eventually, I gained the strength to “acknowledge” that this word was from the Lord. I put down the alcohol and stopped drinking. It’s no surprise that my relationship with God has improved, and my faith is stronger than it’s ever been.
Abandon your pride, and find the life God has for you.
Ericka Andersen Sylvester is a member of Waterline Church in Fishers (IN). She’s a wife and mom to two and enjoys writing, running, and podcasting.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
