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If honest, many Christians will admit they choose which passages of the Bible to base their lives on…or at the very least, which parts of the Bible are “more important” than others.
But long ago, when a pastor tried that with Billy Graham, he learned a valuable lesson.
Billy Graham, the famous evangelist, was once invited to preach at a certain Baptist church. He accepted the invitation, and upon arrival, was promptly told by the pastor of the congregation that three of the church’s deacons recently had their ordination revoked.
Rev. Graham asked why the church’s leadership felt it necessary to reprimand them so severely. “Because they were drinking alcoholic beverages,” the well-intentioned pastor replied.
“Well, you were certainly Scriptural in doing so, but I want to ask if you revoke the ordination of those deacons who are not filled with the Holy Spirit?”
The pastor sheepishly answered, “We never thought of that.”
Rev. Graham stated matter-of-factly, “You are very inconsistent, for the same Scripture which forbids that we be not drunk with alcoholic beverages also commands every believer to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and certainly above all, the deacons.”
I doubt that pastor ever forgot that lesson.
The passage referenced by those pastors that day was Ephesians 5:18. Take a look at the greater context of that one verse:
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:15-21)
Paul starts off this portion of Scripture with, “Be very careful, then, how you live…” not “Be very careful, then, what you drink….” Paul was more concerned with the big picture of holiness.
Too often, we gauge a person’s holiness by sins they are not committing, rather than on commands they are obeying. For example:
A man who doesn’t get drunk (holy) is commended…even though he is an adulterer (unholy).
A woman who doesn’t dress immodestly (holy) is praised…even though she’s a gossiper (unholy).
A teenager who doesn’t use drugs (holy) is revered…even though he disrespects his parents (unholy).
Paul makes it clear in this passage that avoiding sin is only half of God’s expectations for us. In addition to not sinning, we must also be obedient to what God has commanded.
Resource’s Origin:
Text-Driven Preaching by Daniel L. Akin. B&H Academic, 2010, Page 62.
Topics Illustrated Include:
Alcohol
Bible
Billy Graham
Context
Deacon
God’s Word
Holiness
Leadership
Obedience
Pastor
Sin
(Resource cataloged by David R Smith)
