Ideological Drunkenness

I cooked like a crazy woman on Saturday. Then, we spent Sunday with Steve's family in Galion. Sooo, I began my Monday with a disastrous kitchen at the forefront of my mind. The Bible study technique that worked so well during the school year involved studying in my car - away from all distractions like a messy kitchen crying out to be cleaned. This technique is difficult during the summer months. What is a woman to do??? Well, I set up a chair in front of my flower garden (that Steve so lovingly worked for me). Ahhh, it was perfect!

Several weeks ago, I felt clearly led to pursue Beth Moore's study of Esther. At first, I planned to do it by myself as that is how I like to roll. At some point, however, I felt like the Lord wanted me to study with other women. I asked one of my neighbors what she thought of the idea, and before I finished my sentence, she responded with a resounding, "Yes!" She had a few people to invite, and I had a few people to invite. Last Thursday we began! (If you are a Mount Vernon reader, then let me know if you want to join... it is not too late!). I am full of expectancy as this is totally not my idea! Not many people initiate a committed Bible study during the summer months, but I know this is what God was asking of me.

A verse and a half of Esther stood out to me this morning:

"...the royal wine was abundant, in keeping with king's liberality. By the king's command, each guest was allowed to drink in his own way for the king instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he wished" (Esther 1:7b-8, NIV).

My first thought upon reading these verses was, "Replace 'wine' with 'ideas." This is what the verses would say:

"...the royal ideas were abundant, in keeping with king's liberality. By the king's command, each guest was allowed to think in his own way for the king instructed all the teachers and leaders to serve each man what he wished" (Esther 1:7b-8, Heidi's version).

I have a basic understanding of the Book of Esther, so I know that the excessive drinking at this celebration had some serious ramifications. In considering the excessive ideology of our contemporary culture, my question is, "What are the ramifications of the abundant thoughts we consider so easily in our culture?" It reminds me of the verse from Ecclesiastes I have quoted several times recently:

"But, my child, be warned: There is no end of opinions ready to be expressed. Studying them can go on forever and become very exhausting" (Ecclesiastes 12:12, NLT).

It is NOT that we should avoid deep thinking, or asking questions.... I believe we should carefully consider the ideas presented by our culture. As humans, the ramifications of our thoughts in action seriously affect many people, including many future generations. Consider the idea of homosexual marriage. It is a controversial debate in our nation. Christians and non-Christians support and oppose this idea. What do you base your opinion (and your vote) on? What are the ramifications of supporting a different form of marriage? Since marriage between one man and one woman is a part of the foundation of western civilization, we have a solid understanding of its affects based on many years of research. If and when homosexual marriage is accepted and considered commonplace, it will be many more years before we know its actual ramifications upon our culture. As a result, this is an idea we must consider with great seriousness.

What are the ramifications of humankind's drunkenness on ideas? I believe we are experiencing some of the affects, but not the full force of the affects. For those people who believe in Biblical prophecy, we will someday know and understand the full force of humankind's ideological drunkenness. In the meantime, it is vital for those in relationship with Christ to prayerfully consider the origin of ideas; to carefully approach all ideas through a filter made of Godly revelation.