Freedom From Diet Mountain Dew
As you read this, I am longer drinking Diet Mountain Dew. It has been a long interesting relationship that ended a couple of days ago. Simple. I’m finished with it.
The question may be why? Why would I want to give up drinking DMD after years and years of pouring it down my throat. After all, I even wrote a blog post about drinking Diet Mountain Dew to God’s glory. Why?
The answer is really rather simple.
I finally realized that it had a strong hold over me. You might even say I was a slave to it.
I would be ashamed to tell you how much of this concoction I was drinking each day. Let’s just say that I would put heavy coffee drinkers to shame. I started each morning as I got up and would often even drink it just before going to bed. I was immune to the effects the caffeine should have had on me.
The bottom line is that Diet Mountain Dew had become my master. I was a slave to it. I tried to say that I just really liked it, but I need to be honest. I was in bondage to it.
I realized that I wasn’t free. In short, the way I was drinking it was a sin.
Guess what? Christ didn’t die on the cross so that any of us could remain slaves in sin. He didn’t pay the debt of my sins so that I could keep sinning.
I had to stop.
I did pray about it. Not that I would miraculously released from its hold.
I just prayed that I could slowly get over it. And that’s what has been happening this month. Each week I have reduced how much I drink.
Today, I’m done.
That doesn’t mean I think you have to or should. You may have a good grip on it. You may not have reached my level of consumption. It’s ok. Drink it if you want. Not a peep out of me. Your free to do it.
I’m free from it.
Have you ever battled to become free of something?
“Have you ever battled to become free of something?” Yes, I have and still do.
I’m on the lookout for my next one.
I drink Coke Zero. I drink it a lot. It’s fantastic. I’m not gonna stop drinking it, but I applaud you in your journey.
I’m good with that. I’m not going to be like some ex-smokers who are on a campaign to get everyone to quit. I think that should be everyone’s own conviction/decision.
Tobacco. Before I became a pastor.
I started dipping when I was 12 and was finally able to quit when I was 24. My mouth is a wreck from all of the years doing it. When I quit, cold turkey too, I was up to two cans a day. It was on my wife’s birthday and I had half a can left. She asked if I wanted some. I told her to throw it away and I’ve never looked back.
That’s awesome! It’s amazing what we let enter our lives.
There is much wisdom in discerning what we become a slave to. Well done
This wisdom took me a long time to discern. Thanks.
as a devoted pepsi drinker who has given it up for periods of time over the years, i understand the pull of something you think you “just like” a lot. we often see sin as bigger and more dramatic – murder, drugs, etc. – but sin comes in all shapes and sizes. great post, larry!
Thanks Tim!!!
“Have you ever battled to become free of something?” Yes, I justify it daily and pray to over come it daily. One day will power and strength will prevail or at least when I truly give it fully over to God!
I’ll pray that with you!!!
I was just thinking about this topic the other day when anxiously awaiting my cup of coffee. I’m not a slave to a particular brand of beverage, but I am dependent on caffeine. How much better would it be if I couldn’t wait to read my Bible again, or minister to someone in need, or spend some quiet time talking with God?
Thanks for the words of wisdom.
That is a great thought. If we looked forward to anything in our walk with the Lord with that sort of anticipation our lives would be incredibly blessed.
I have been free of DMD since birth. I do drink an occasional Diet Dr Pepper. however, that is the least of my “worries.” I once gave up chips and french fries for 8 years because I could not stop eating them. I won that one. But I am not immune to another struggle I have.
There will be something else I need to give up soon, I’m sure. It’s a battle.
I gave up coffee this past June, and I’ve mostly given up soda (or pop) in general. I had to quit to get rid of the migraine headaches I was battling. It was worth it, but I occasionally miss the caffeine.
I’ve come to the same conclusions about the amount of Mountain Dew and Coke that I drink. I’ve tried to give it up in the past, but haven’t been able to for very long. I drink way too much of both. So much that I barely taste it anymore. Maybe I should try it again.