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To the Editor,
In the August 11 issue of the Plaindealer, Pastor Hendricks gives a passionate point of view on alcohol consumption. While I fully respect his opinion, there are some other points to consider.
Alcohol has been around since the beginning of time and has its proper place in the lives of responsible consumers. The last part of Proverbs 20:1 is probably the most telling, “whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” God has given free will to man, and with that comes using all things responsibly including alcohol, food, sports, sexual pleasure, speeding, using people, etc.
Alcohol in itself is not the culprit, for if it was our Lord Jesus would not have performed the miracle at the wedding in Cana, turning water into wine.
As one who spent 16 years in the brewing industry, I have observed the changes and laws that have been put in place to keep people safe from excessive consumption. During that time, as an operator I fully accepted the responsibility to my customers as they were not only my customers, but also my very good friends. I worked with those that had control problems and was proud of them when they overcame them. Good operators last and those who don’t accept these responsibilities soon fade away. There are good Christian people working in this industry, being conscientious in what they do in their daily lives.
I absolutely do not condone drinking to excess and I don’t know of anyone in the industry that does. For those who have been harmed by the excess of alcohol, I deeply sympathize with them and could not and would not take that lightly. There are sad consequences for irresponsible acts in life and excessive drinking is one of them.
We all have feet of clay and there are some things happening in life where we all fall short and need to rely on the strength of Faith, Family and Friends.
Fred Lenz
St. James, MN
To the Editor,
In the August 11 issue of the Plaindealer, Pastor Hendricks gives a passionate point of view on alcohol consumption. While I fully respect his opinion, there are some other points to consider.
Alcohol has been around since the beginning of time and has its proper place in the lives of responsible consumers. The last part of Proverbs 20:1 is probably the most telling, “whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” God has given free will to man, and with that comes using all things responsibly including alcohol, food, sports, sexual pleasure, speeding, using people, etc.
Alcohol in itself is not the culprit, for if it was our Lord Jesus would not have performed the miracle at the wedding in Cana, turning water into wine.
As one who spent 16 years in the brewing industry, I have observed the changes and laws that have been put in place to keep people safe from excessive consumption. During that time, as an operator I fully accepted the responsibility to my customers as they were not only my customers, but also my very good friends. I worked with those that had control problems and was proud of them when they overcame them. Good operators last and those who don’t accept these responsibilities soon fade away. There are good Christian people working in this industry, being conscientious in what they do in their daily lives.
I absolutely do not condone drinking to excess and I don’t know of anyone in the industry that does. For those who have been harmed by the excess of alcohol, I deeply sympathize with them and could not and would not take that lightly. There are sad consequences for irresponsible acts in life and excessive drinking is one of them.
We all have feet of clay and there are some things happening in life where we all fall short and need to rely on the strength of Faith, Family and Friends.
Fred Lenz
St. James, MN
