My girlfriend’s mom wrote a book about her sister who struggled with alcoholism. Though Lori was saved from hell, she struggled in her mind to overcome her addiction which led to many bad choices, grief, broken relationships, and a diminished quality life. Lori’s soul was saved but her mind not yet sanctified which led to many self-inflicted wounds.

I’m reminded of 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Lori believed in Jesus Christ, and her salvation (foundation ) was set. But how she built on that foundation is questionable. Her life is a reminder for us to carefully build our lives according to the teachings of Christ and not the temptations of this world.

As Paul wrote

” If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.”

Lori’s life serves as a warning that we need to be wise builders, and walk in the full council of God’s wisdom. When we believe in Jesus that’s very good, our soul has been saved. But we were created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do. If we are distracted by guilt, shame, fear, and idols… though our soul is saved we will have missed opportunities to live out all those good works.

Even though Lori’s life was not ideal, God still gets the glory. Her life serves the purpose of illuminating the grace of Christ. Lori’s sister and family tell her story so that others may learn, observe, and do better for the Glory of God, and the benefit of all mankind.

We all make mistakes, but may our mistakes serve as a warning to another generation to do better. My girlfriend doesn’t drink at all, she asked me if I drank, and I told her no. I’ve tried it, and it just doesn’t appeal to me. Drinking alcohol isn’t bad in itself but we are not to get ” drunk” (Ephesians 5:18).   I feel that she is this way because of her auntie’s story. So now she is choosing a wiser path than her auntie, and I love her.