Avoiding Trouble

I Thessalonians 5:7
“For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night.”

The latter portion of the passage addresses drunkenness. The Bible tells us to avoid this. I can hear the parent comment, “Nothing good happens after midnight”. One way to avoid getting drunk is to be home at night. We should be sleeping.
The Bible, and particularly the book of Proverbs, gives advice on how to avoid particular temptations. In terms of sexual sin Proverbs 5:8 say to avoid passing by the prostitute’s house. If one struggles with drinking, avoid the bar and those that drink. If someone struggles with eating issues, some food commercials may trigger a struggle.
Doing these things aren’t sinful, it is wisdom to avoid them. Everyone has different struggles. We need to pay attention to ourselves. Psalm 139:23,24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” As we walk with the Lord, He will put impressions and thoughts in our minds about things to avoid. Sometimes it’s just us remembering scripture.
Whatever the source, it’s best if we yield to those impressions. Sometimes it being wise, other times it’s submitting to His lordship. This is part of being a christian. Jesus said is Luke 6:46, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” This is one aspect that divides believers from unbelievers. One may espouse Christ, but in this passage, He wants obedience.
Lord, thank You that You want a better life for us. You want us to avoid all the temptations and struggles that destroy. Help us to yield to You.