7 Mar, 2007
Surgeon general urges shift in attitude toward alcohol consumption
A new study on underage drinking shows improvements nationwide. At the same time several midwest states, including Iowa, still have some work to do. Among other things, the federal report asks kids ages 12 to 20 how many times they drank alcohol in the last month. The highest level of underage binge drinking occured in North Dakota, but Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska were also at top of the list.
The Acting Surgeon General says its part of a nationwidel trend, with 11 million youth drinkers across the country. "Underage drinking has not been very high on our radar screens for a long time, and more than that, i think we've said underage drinking is a right of passage, and they'll outgrow it," says Acting Surgeon General Dr. Kenneth Moritsugu.
Moritsugu says people need to remember underage drinking is illegal. Studies show it also has a negative impact on the development of teenagers brains and their cognitive capabilities.
picture courtesy images.google.com & story msnbc.msn.com, 3/06/07
Drunk or filled?
Ephesians 5:18
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about getting drunk?
Paul is talking about the use of alcohol and how it can influence the mind and body.
Look at the notes from Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE:
5:18 Paul contrasts getting drunk with wine, which produces a temporary "high" to being filled with the Spirit, which produces lasting joy. Getting drunk with wine is associated with the old way of life and its selfish desires. In Christ, we have a better joy, higher and longer lasting, to cure our depression, monotony, or tension. We should not be concerned with how much of the Holy Spirit we have but with how much of us the Holy Spirit has. Submit yourself daily to his leading and draw constantly on his power.
The surgeon general is reminding everyone that studies show that drinnking has a negative impact on the development of teenagers' brains and their cognitive capabilities.
God's Word is reminding us how it can lead to a troubled self-centered life....which is the complete opposite of abiding in Christ.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- If you have been able to say no to drinking, thank God for His strength.
- If you've been struggling with drinking, huffing, smoking,or some other drug, ask God for strength and for the courage to talk to someone to help you and hold you accountable.
- Pray right now for a friend or family member who is struggling with the use of drugs and alcohol. Ask Jesus to show you how to reach out and help. Ask His Holy Spirit to fill and control you every day.
- Memorize Ephesians 5:18.
- Every day, pray for God's Holy Spirit to fill and control every part of your life.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
- Every time you see a commercial about drinking, pray for someone you know is struggling.
- Use today's DAILYBIDE to start a discussion or study in your youth group or small group about how you might apply Ephesians 5:18.
- The party scene is all around you. Look for those moments with your friends when you can talk and listen to them about their feelings about drinking. You might be surprised what you learn about their stories.
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