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Post by Chizuk Emunah on Jan 9, 2007 7:41:29 GMT -8
Mod: Rick Posted this in another thread but it was requested that it have it's own thread, so I have moved it here.I thought I'd use an existing thread to pose a new question: I am very close to a brother who is new to  observance. He owns/works in a liqueur store. He was asking if his trade is in line with Scripture/the teaching of Yeshua. He does not have internet, so I thought I would pose his question where he is sure to receive wise council. Toda, Rick
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Post by Chizuk Emunah on Jan 9, 2007 7:43:27 GMT -8
Yep, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the trade whatsover. Hey, if nobody sold alcohol how would we make l'chaim?  On a more serious note, so long as he is not open on Shabbat and is not cheating or defrauding someone, then he is doing nothing wrong according to . And of course Y'hoshua wouldn't have drunk it in Capernum if he had a problem with those who sold it. Shalom, Natanel |
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Post by Chizuk Emunah on Jan 9, 2007 7:44:05 GMT -8
posted by Mark
First, I'd like to move this question to its own thread because many who come through this forum are looking for specific answers and this may be of something of particular interest to them; but since I don't know how to do that yet (and I'm frankly pressed for time) I really would like to respond to the question.
It isn't as simple as asking is alcoholic beverages bad for you or or is it okay to drink. There are strong admonitions against the abuse of alcohol in the Scripture and also some powerful examples of their affect. Yet, it is correct to say that drinking alcoholic beverages does not constitute sin, nor does smoking, nor dipping nor a myriad of other unhealthy behaviors. Sometimes the question is posed to me and I answer, "You can be stupid and still be righteous." (Always with a smile).
Yet, your friend is in a unique position. Proverbs 31:6-7 tell us the value of alcohol. It is for the heavy hearted and the dying. I have prescribed alcohol more than once to those who fit these catagories and I believe that it has been a help. I've also counselled with men and women who are struggling with bondage to alcohol and have consistently found that it is tied to an embittered spirit. Until they reconcile the spiritual issues, they will have little success over the physical and emotional addiction. I think it's important for your friend to understand these things and run his store responsibly. I would much rather see it under his management than the guy who doesn't care and is just looking to make a buck. Yet, I can also see the potential damage he can do to his own spirit by compromise and justification. If the Spirit is leading him to get out of the business then he should get out. If he is feeling pressured by religious stigma then he should distance himself from the situation for a little while (maybe a few days) so that he can pray about it.
Blessings to you and him,
Mark
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observance.
