Teaching Sobriety to Younger Women

There is a greater purpose to living sober than just abstaining from the act of drinking. This purpose even goes beyond avoiding or overcoming the pitfalls associated with drinking. As Christian women, one of the biggest reasons we are instructed to live sober lives is so that we can teach the younger women, who follow behind us, how to live sober lives too. That’s a big responsibility for each of us. It’s much easier to say, “Do as I say, not as I do” than it is to live an exemplary life.” We’re prone to prefer behaving as we wish, while demanding, hoping, and praying others will do better. No doubt, teaching others by example is difficult, but it isn’t impossible. God never asks us to do something He doesn’t think we can handle.

A Great Place to Start

A great place to start teaching the next generation sobriety is at home—one…glass…at a time. We can’t live one way at home and another way in public. Our families, friends, neighbors and acquaintances can see right through double lives. If we say one thing and then lower our standards to fit in with others, we cause those we love to doubt what we say and believe. People don’t usually follow people they can’t trust. If we’ve made mistakes in our past, today is a good place to start over. 

 A Great Way to Show

The best way to show what we believe about God and His Word is in our behavior. We don’t have to be perfect to teach the next generation. We just have to be honest and try our best. When we make mistakes and mess up, we can confess and do better.

“If we confess our sins,
He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9

Most young people respect adults who take accountability for their actions and are transparent with them about their struggles and failures. Our obedience, even in hard times, shows them that it can be done.

Sobriety isn’t a lesson to be taught with words, threats, shame, or punishment. It’s a lesson to be practiced before our pupils. Whether we’re attending or hosting a party for one, or a large gathering, we must show younger women how to be hospitable in a Godly way. This job was never meant to be left to the whims of cultural standards. The Bible states quite the opposite:

“And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2

Older women want to fit in with their peers just like the younger generation. Sadly, drinking has given many women a faux sense of acceptance and a shaky common ground. This symbolic sisterhood has many women struggling with loneliness, insecurities, self-condemnation, guilt and physical setbacks. God has a better plan.

A Great Gift to Share
Teaching is God’s hospitable gift. It’s how we share knowledge. His Word teaches that the best lessons are taught by example and Jesus leads the way. If we follow His teachings, we can teach others to do the same.

Bring It Home

Is there a younger woman in your life in need of a Godly teacher in her life?
What can you do to fill that need?

Praying for you as we grow together,

Smiles, BRC