Michael Vick and the Wisdom of Alcohol

Just read a news report that said Michael Vick had an alcoholic drink after an NFL practice.  His mentor, the well-respected Tony Dungy (led the Colts to a SuperBowl title), criticized Vick's decision (check out the article here).

Now I'm not one for piling on or adding more condemnation than Vick has received but this story offers us insight into lots of things: guarding our reputation & integrity, being above reproach, and most importantly, making wise decisions.

Often we try to reduce life and Christianity down to right versus wrong with the result that we become moral minimalists who walk close to the edge of the cliff and sometimes we fall or slip or get pushed over the side.  Yet the Bible tells us to resist sin and contend for our faith.  So God calls us to walk by wisdom not merely right or wrong.  Wisdom keeps us safe, wisdom keeps us on the right path, protects our integrity, and sets up a positive future!!

• This past weekend the Coast Guard, life guards, and the Weather Center warned thousands of would-be swimmers of the dangerous waves and currents Hurricane Bill was bringing to east coast.  Yet several decided to brave the waters.  Was this right or wrong? Who can say? Was it wise? No, clearly it was foolish and tragically several lives were lost.


• Married men often spend time alone with women other than their wife. Is this wrong? No ... at least not on the surface. But is it wise? We protect what we value and is this a way to protect one's marriage when countless number of affairs have begun this way by well-meaning people who said "It won't happen to me and there's nothing wrong with it."?


• Lots of people spend money without a budget. Lots of people use credit without thinking about the bill they will receive in a few weeks.  Is this wrong? No.  Is this foolish? Yes.

When wisdom is applied to the equation of decision-making we are forced to think about the future, we are forced to get past our emotions (which can convice us we are right!), we are forced to pause and think, AND we are forced to ask other people ... because part of wisdom is SEEKING ADVICE (Proverbs 12:15).

Proverbs 14:8

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.