Answers
By BGEA Admin • June 22, 2023 • Topics: Bible
Q:
The Bible says that we should eat, drink, and be merry. This seems contradictory to what I’ve learned in other parts of the Bible—that we as believers should not participate in feeding fleshly desires. These opposite sayings disturb me, yet I know that God does not talk out of both sides of His mouth. What am I missing?
A:
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
The Bible (God’s Word, which is the Sword of the Lord) is given to mankind to help us discern between truth and deception. We must learn to wield the sword skillfully. It is man—not God’s Word—that needs correcting. We have become a nation of Biblical illiterates.
The message of the Bible tells us of Almighty God and His Son. It also tells about the history of mankind’s origin, the reason for existence, the cause of misery, and the plan of redemption for a fallen race: salvation in Christ Jesus.
The author of Ecclesiastes wrote about his quest for happiness, but found futility in the pursuit of “eat, drink, and be merry.” Our society has become deeply secular and like the man in one of Jesus’ parables, he lived only for the moment, saying, “Take life easy, drink and be merry.” God, however, called that man a fool (see Luke 12:19–20). The Bible records the history of how sin entered mankind and what mankind can do to pursue the Lord instead of the deceptive pursuit of happiness. Rebellion, waywardness, lack of discipline, confusion, and conflict prevent happy relationships and a contented life.
The Bible says, “He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he” (Proverbs 16:20). We must carefully and prayerfully read God’s Word rightly and ask His Spirit to fill our hearts and minds with His righteous truth.
(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
