[sjdean]

Please excuse any rambling from here on in.

Let me also go on the record first and foremost of saying I am not a Mormon, neither am I an alcoholic. Thought I'd get that in before someone comes in with that tenuous nonsense. I drink because I enjoy it. I don't drink regularly, or to alter my surroundings, my personality, give me confidence or to de-stress.

I was always a little perplexed when not only would Mormons not drink, they would not enter a bar even for some coca cola or orange juice. Some wouldn't even work in a bar (even though I think there is a requirement to stay sober) and some wouldn't even enter a starbucks for a hot chocolate.

I believe it is something that is referred to as the "appearance of evil".

However over recent weeks, the stance on alcohol mainly has hit me like a train. When you place yourself into a particular environment you can take on a little of the persona of the environment. It's easy to become relaxed and let your barriers fall and join in. The more the drink flows, the more inclined you are to drink because you relax your own rules.

I've realised that the company of certain friends means I drink a little bit more regularly or more in a night that I would normally do. Don't get me wrong, I've never been bad with alcohol. But I started to feel that I was getting into the situation of drinking to drink instead of drinking out of enjoyment for special occasions.

Maybe it's peer pressure, maybe it is the company we keep. Maybe it is a stance of "one more won't hurt", but if that was the case, then cream cakes are the most evil food on the planet.

Now don't get me wrong, I still plan to have a few pints from time to time. But Im going to decide when to do it, and no one else.

How does this come back to the appearance of evil? Im not entirely sure. I think for me, it probably means that it can be too easy to get too comfortable and complacent and let your guard down. Not that alcohol, bars, or certain people are evil par se, but we must be careful to retain our own self control and dignity and be wary of the influence of others.

Im not sure Im comfortable with the idea of avoiding the appearance of evil. The "appearance" of things can be very superficial and very false. What are some of the sayings? Beware of wolves in sheeps clothing? Don't judge a book by its cover? Judge not lest ye be judged? Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment? Some of the most "evil" looking people are actually some of the worlds most genuine, warm, friendly and nice people.