Rev. Mark H. Creech
I overheard the lawmaker say...
FacebookTwitter
By Rev. Mark H. Creech
September 6, 2019



I am a registered lobbyist for the Christian Action League in the North Carolina General Assembly. The following thoughts stem from an experience I had this year in that role:

During the recess of an NC House Alcoholic Beverage Control committee meeting this year, I overheard a lawmaker snidely say to another, "These Baptists and religious fanatics who rail against the perils of alcohol, I see these hypocrites in the liquor store. I see them buying their beer and wine at the grocery stores," to which he and the other person snickered while glancing back at me.

It would have been imprudent and impolite for me to have interjected myself into their conversation, although I think it was meant for my ears. Nonetheless, I thought to myself, "Ah yes, there are plenty of holy-rollers like that, who hypocritically say one thing and then do another. Still, I can't count the number of liquor-loving, beer suds-supporting, wine-sippers who sanctimoniously tout drinking responsibly that I've seen drunk and making a fool of themselves. Hypocrisy runs both ways."

Moreover, I don't think I've ever known anyone who drinks that can honestly tell me they've never been inebriated, which according to the Bible is a grave sin.

I am no better than the next one. I am only a sinner saved by the grace of God. I have plenty of issues in my life with which I struggle. May God forgive me and give me victory over every way that displeases Christ. I genuinely desire to be the slave of nothing except him.

But I tell you the truth, and nothing but the truth, I have never been drunk in my whole life. The personal use of alcohol has never threatened me. You know why? Because I don't touch the stuff!!! The only time alcohol has threatened my life is when someone else's use of it put me in jeopardy.

Moreover, my Christian friends can argue all day long and until they're blue in the face about whether the Bible permits drinking. One thing I know for sure – one thing we should all know for certain – God does approve of abstinence. When abstaining, you're not a threat to yourself or anyone else.

© Rev. Mark H. Creech

 

The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates.
(See RenewAmerica's publishing standards.)

Click to enlarge

Rev. Mark H. Creech

Rev. Mark H. Creech was Executive Director of the Christian Action League of North Carolina, Inc. He was a pastor for twenty years before taking this position, having served five different Southern Baptist churches in North Carolina and one Independent Baptist in upstate New York.

Rev. Creech is a prolific speaker and writer, and has served as a radio commentator for Christians In Action, a daily program featuring Rev. Creech's commentary on social issues from a Christian worldview.

In addition to RenewAmerica.com, his weekly editorials are featured on the Christian Action League website and Agape Press, a national Christian newswire.

Subscribe

Receive future articles by Rev. Mark H. Creech: Click here

More by this author

June 28, 2025
When Shrimpers lead the way: A lesson for faithful Christians to engage the culture


June 15, 2025
Fathers forgotten: The quiet epidemic of estrangement


June 7, 2025
Snow Hill stands: A story of prayer, protest, and purpose


May 26, 2025
‘I’ll Tell You About It This One Time:’ A Memorial Day Reflection


May 19, 2025
Theology of a broken shoulder: Admonishment and advice for church leaders


May 12, 2025
Pray: Return America’s watchlist after 'Crossover'


April 30, 2025
'Evil brings a gun. Why can’t the good?'


April 11, 2025
From my heart: Unanswered questions, unwavering faith


April 1, 2025
Pray NC unites believers in statewide prayer gathering at North Carolina legislature


March 19, 2025
What’s happening at the NCGA: The good, the bad, and the dangerous!


More articles

 

Stephen Stone
HAPPY EASTER: A message to all who love our country and want to help save it

Stephen Stone
The most egregious lies Evan McMullin and the media have told about Sen. Mike Lee

Siena Hoefling
Protect the Children: Update with VIDEO

Stephen Stone
FLASHBACK to 2020: Dems' fake claim that Trump and Utah congressional hopeful Burgess Owens want 'renewed nuclear testing' blows up when examined

Selwyn Duke
The untold reason for Mamdani’s mayoral win

Bruce Deitrick Price
The future of school: 'Ergonomic Education'

Steve A. Stone
The Slow Coup, Part 19

Curtis Dahlgren
Greatest thoughts: Without envy and pride, there would be no socialism in the world

Neil Brian Goldberg
Death of the 'F'

Curtis Dahlgren
Walz & China, new allegations

Rev. Mark H. Creech
When Shrimpers lead the way: A lesson for faithful Christians to engage the culture

Victor Sharpe
What the Holy Bible tells us about war and peace

Cliff Kincaid
Red Jihad comes to NYC in the person of Zohran Mamdani [VIDEO]

Tom DeWeese
'Milquetoast Minions?!'

Jerry Newcombe
Dr. Franklin saves the day

Steve A. Stone
Carbon Capture: A scam that must be shut down
  More columns

Cartoons


Click for full cartoon
More cartoons

Columnists

Matt C. Abbott
Chris Adamo
Russ J. Alan
Bonnie Alba
Chuck Baldwin
Kevin J. Banet
J. Matt Barber
Fr. Tom Bartolomeo
. . .
[See more]

Sister sites