Ask Alex: What About Drinking?
Alex
February 18, 2010
Filed under Ask Andi, Top Stories
Dear Alex,
I really don’t understand the problem with drinking. God created alcohol so it’s okay, right? Why is consumption of alcohol considered a sin? And why shouldn’t teenagers drink?
“Our body is a temple,” begins Miss Allison Stapleton, secondary school guidance counselor. Such a profound, five-word phrase has so much biblical truth, based on 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
Seventy-four percent of high school students nationwide have had one or more drinks of alcohol during their lifetime, according to a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2005. So, are we forgetting that drinking under the age of 21 is illegal? Well not anymore, according to the Alcohol Policy Information System. As of January 1, 2009, underage possession of alcohol is prohibited, but consumption is not explicitly prohibited in the state of Florida. But just because our state does not prohibit consumption of alcohol under the age of 21, doesn’t necessarily make it right.
Each year, students spend $5.5 billion on alcohol, more than they spend on soft drinks, tea, milk, juice, coffee or books combined. Clearly, alcohol has become an idol for students across the nation. “Our generation wants the numbness of a binge, not just fun,” states Miss Stapleton.
Mrs. Tina Reeder, CCA Health teacher adds, “Why do you think students can’t just stop at one drink? There’s a reason why alcohol shouldn’t be consumed under the age of 21. Emotionally, minors just can’t handle it. Small things lead to big things. Check the statistics of teen pregnancy related to alcohol.” Studies show that sixty percent of college women diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease were drunk at the time of infection, according to the Advocacy Institute.
“An escape from life,” Miss Stapleton responded when asked why she finds most teenagers turn to alcohol in the first place. This is why consumption of alcohol is wrong; it is used as an escape, when Christ wants us to turn to Him as our escape. Turn to Him, for He is the only One who satisfies.