By HAROLD KELLER

Last week, during a men’s weekly Bible study meeting, the discussion was sin. Some in attendance, including myself, at some time in their lives, had abused alcohol and/or illegal drugs. Contrary to what man thinks, the Bible refers to drunkenness as a sin and says, specifically, that drunkards will not enter the Kingdom of God.

Every week, I religiously attend two such meetings. The fellowship of these men, their openness, honesty and, at times, constructive criticism (open rebuke), with love, have meant so much to my spiritual life.

Getting back to last week’s meeting, my friend, Jeremy St. Amant, gave this analogy of sin and a barroom: “When we first entered a bar, it was dark and we could not recognize anyone, or even identify a vacant place to sit. But after a while, when we got used to the environment, including the darkness, we could recognize and see pretty well. We became comfortable in a place where, at first, we could not see a thing. That’s the way it is with sin. Sin, at first, makes you feel bad. You have a lot of guilt, but after you get accustomed to it, you become comfortable in your sin.”

I was reminded that when I enjoyed the barroom scene and sin, I had blinders on. I was only focused on being comfortable in my selfish wants.

While in that stage of my life, I had heard the beautiful song, “Amazing Grace,” many times. I always enjoyed the sweet music, listened to the lovely words, but my focus was on myself.

Today, it’s one of my favorite songs. In fact, I listen to it every night before I go to sleep. I’m now focused on the words, especially the first stanza: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.”

The good news is that the blinders on my eyes have been removed. I could never be comfortable in a barroom, or in sin, and for that I am so grateful. I thank Jeremy for bringing this to my attention.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477 or write to P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084