January 17, 2017
Prohibition, the 18th Amendment

“Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-20

On this date, January 17, 1919, the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution prohibiting the manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors for beverage sales or purposes is ratified. It immediately becomes the law of the land.  Temperance societies had sprung up across the country in the early 19th century when certain Americans became increasingly concerned about the adverse effects of drinking. By the end of the 19th century these groups had become a powerful political force on the state level in many states – and they began calling for a national prohibition. The 18th Amendment was passed by Congress in December 1917, but would take another year before becoming the law, waiting for states to ratify the Amendment. Nine months after it was ratified Congress passed the Volstead Act, which provided for the enforcement of prohibition.

Trying to pass legislation to effect personal behavior does not always work. The 18th Amendment to the US Constitution is a good example. Although there are few people today who would agree that consuming too much alcohol is a good thing, consuming some types of alcohol in moderation can actually bring some health benefits. However, any mind altering substance must be consumed with care. Of course, Paul’s argument that being filled with the Holy Spirit is better than being filled with liquid or other types of “spirits” does carry some weight with believers – or at least it should. I believe this is the reason so many Alcoholics Anonymous groups meet in churches. The Holy Spirit is working hard at educating the public on the right kind of spirit to consume – the Holy Spirit. My friends, too many of our friends and neighbors are fighting some kind of addiction. We need to trust the Holy Spirit to lead us to help these people fight their addictions. They and their families need our prayers – and they need to know that they are not alone and that G-d has not forsaken them.

Pastor Dave