21

I don't get it. Why is it that when kids turn 21 they think they need to buy and consume alcohol? Is there some sort of rite of passage that I missed? Is there some great temptation that overcomes them, or is it just because they can? Does it magically turn them into adults? Perhaps it makes them feel better about themselves. Maybe it's just peer pressure. I wonder, did they smoke a cigarette when they turned 18? Is that the same thing? Are they going to go rent a car at the age of 25?

I find it odd that one of the first things a person does with their newfound responsibilities as an adult is to do something that is irresponsible? (I know, I know, I can hear all of the "adult beverage" drinker's protest: "I drink responsibly." "I don't drink and drive." "I can handle it. I'm always in control." "The Bible doesn't really say it's sinful. The apostle Paul told Timothy..." blah, blah, blah.)

I guess my point is not to argue about the immorality of drinking (that's for another discussion), but instead to consider the message Paul told the Corinthians. Paul wrote that just because something is lawful, does not mean it's beneficial (1 Corinthians 10:23).

Hmmm. Just because you turn 21 and can legally buy and drink booze, does not mean it's beneficial. He wasn't being legalistic. He didn't say they were going to hell. He simply wanted them to move their lives toward holiness.

Am I there...holiness, that is? Nope. Do I want to get all legalistic on you? Nope. Am I going to encourage you to move your life toward holiness and purity as I am trying to do the same in my own life? Absolutely!

Just something to think about.