HAROLD KELLER

God gives even fools a new hope for a clean and sober life with Him

“Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1) As I read this in the Bible I thought of my past. Not being wise is a much nicer description than just being a plain fool. Alcohol really helped me to make a fool of myself. This past Thursday, Jan. 25, I celebrated 27 years of sobriety. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. A 12-step program is responsible for helping me get sober. I realize that God played a big hand in directing me to such a program. The love, acceptance and advice I received from people who participated in the groups are impossible to explain. One thing I was told in my early battle with alcohol is that I had a disease. I received that, without any resistance, because having a disease meant it wasn’t my fault. In other words, I had no choice. Today, I know that my drunkenness was a lust of the flesh, and every drunken escapade was a choice I made. Some other advice I received was that I should never forget my past. Also, I should be grateful for my sober life and let other people know, by my testimony, how my life is now. Today, I’m excited about what God has done and is doing in my life. My sobriety has helped to heal all the hurt in my family for what alcohol was partly responsible. Sobriety has been a blessing. The greatest gift, however, happened after I was sober six and a half years, which is my salvation – God’s most precious gift to mankind. It was then, in October 1980, that I was truly sorry for all my sins, asked for His forgiveness, repented and invited Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Has it been a spiritual cakewalk since then? I would like to say that it has been, but, no, it’s been hard. I’m the same Harold, with all the temptations of the world. Only now I know whom to call when I’m in trouble. Do I always call on God? No. Sometimes, I prefer to wallow in my self-pity and allow Satan to rob me of the peace that only the Holy Spirit can give. As I write this article I’m reminded that it was in January that I decided to get sober. Since then I’ve learned that more people seek help in the month of January for alcohol and drug problems than in any other month. Yes, I’ve allowed intoxicating drink to make a fool of me. I thank God that I made the choice to get sober and then saved. In Galatians 5:19-21, the Bible speaks of the works of the flesh, which include drunkenness, and says that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. What a price to pay for not being wise and allowing alcohol to rob you of eternity in heaven! If you have a drinking problem and need to talk to someone, my number is 652-8477. HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group.