Last week, I got on a cruise ship 600 miles away from my home and sailed to the Caribbean. I love to cruise, I especially love to let my hair up (my doesn’t go down) and relax. It’s a time where Cindy and I can get out of the fish bowl for a few days…or is it? One day while sitting at the port in Calica, Mexico a couple asked “are ya’ll from Arkansas”? After a few minutes, they shared how on Facebook they posted a pic while aboard and a friend mentioned that “Shannon O’Dell, my pastor is on that ship”. I was immediately riveted in humility, and reminded of how small the world has become. 
So many leaders have told me, “Well, while I am on vacation I will drink a beer, smoke a Cuban, or whatever.” They will even go on to share how the Bible doesn’t say drinking, or smoking is a sin. What if I had made the choice to have a Booze Cruise? Not get drunk, just a beer or two. I realized this week, that as a leader, more importantly a Christ follower, I can never relax from bringing God the utmost Glory through my life. I never want to build my theology around what I can get away with, but God’s way in me.
Here is my point…your life is always “on call” to promote, propagate, permeate, and penetrate God’s message at all times.
What do you think? Would I have caused you to stumble? Let’s talk about it…
Heather says,
I’ve had this same thought/battle. I’ve always thought that if you get to a bigger “fish bowl” then you would be able to “get away with more.” But the world is a small place (especially with social media) and just when you think you are invisible, someone sees you.
on 16 August 2010 / 3:03 PM
Sherie Hammonds says,
I believe what you have said is powerful! I think that if I was a baby christian, it would have altered my thinking…maybe to the point of not going all out for God because the pastor says it is ok to have one beer or a smoke. I probably would have just become an average christian instead of going all out! Great testimony Shannon!
on 16 August 2010 / 3:11 PM
Deanna says,
Thank you for sharing. Always have to be on guard, not ever knowing who is watching. It would be real easy to justify doing anything when away from home, but, the fact of the matter is I don’t think as a christian we should ever justify something that could make someone else stumble. At least when someone asks if I want a drink, it gives me the opportunity to share my testimony.
on 16 August 2010 / 3:47 PM
Steve Miles says,
What about your conscience? Would it bother you if you engaged in these activities? If a Christian feels he has to hide his drink then it reflects that he doesn’t have a clear conscience. It seems that Paul makes it clear that the kingdom is not about food and drink, but about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whether you eat of drink, do it to God’s glory.
I am a pastor who occasionally drinks. I don’t create a new law “don’t drink lest you offend.” I will not drink in someone’s presence if they have indicated it’s offensive, because I value their relationship, but I don’t assume that drinking will offend automatically.
on 16 August 2010 / 4:18 PM
Lyn Smith says,
I’ve had similar experiences so I know that feeling of “Whew! I’m so glad I didn’t ______.”
Seeing you with a beer wouldn’t have caused me to stumble, but I would have been surprised. Teachers/pastors are held to the highest standard, whether around people they know, people they don’t, or alone. Private integrity is what God sees. Great blog!
on 16 August 2010 / 6:09 PM
Ashley Toler says,
Another example of how we can never be sure who may be watching. One thing we can be sure of, the Almighty is always watching, and we should always consider if what we engage in brings him glory.
on 16 August 2010 / 8:47 PM
Lancia Berglan says,
As a pastor’s wife, I’ve been asked the question, “when you are on vacation, do you ever _____” (same issues as above). I was surprised at first, that it’s almost expected that you will live differently out of the fishbowl. I would hate living with myself feeling like I was wearing a “mask” in front of our church family…being one person with them, another in my private life. I think that’s what causes people who don’t know Christ to view the Church as hypocritical.
I agree with many of the above comments, that having a drink can’t be biblically proven as sin, that it can offend and cause others to stumble, and that teachers / pastors are held to the highest standard. But my favorite statement was when you said, “I never want to build my theology on what I can get away with, but God’s way in me”.
on 16 August 2010 / 9:12 PM
Maryan says,
Why do so many “christians” claim that a drink will offend everyone else. It seems to me that the only ones it offends are the people who don’t drink because of they fear what others will think. What God thinks is what matters. The things we laugh at, the jokes “christians” tell are the things God looks at. What comes OUT of the mouth seems to be much more important in the Bible than what goes in. This is an observation that has always puzzled me.
on 16 August 2010 / 11:06 PM
Lisa says,
Wow Shannon. As much as I don’t like this subject. It is one I know I deal with daily. I have no urges to have alcohol at all. Praise God, cause I was addicted to it for many years. I let God deliver me from it in 1998. I say I let him, because I do have and have been fighting the addiction of smoking for way too long. I know I have to let him take the torture of cravings from me and be clean for his ministry.
If I happened upon you having a {casual beer & smoke} it would not change my faith in who God has shown me he is, or make me take two steps back in my own walk.{I have enough to fight without making it any worse}
I would be very sad. My heart would cry for you. I wouldn’t question your salvation or your calling. I know you well enough to know that you are a chosen voice for God.
I would pray for you, and with you to repent and remember the difference between you and the rest of the church.
A Sheppard who loves his flock would not lead them over a cliff. Plus it is very important that we have nothing dirty or hindering between us and God.
We must keep that direct line of love and communication purely open between us and our Father who speaks to us.
His word does say that you are held even more accountable for the way you live, what you do, what you say, how you treat your family and friends.
I will always love you and Cindy no matter what.
I am so happy that you made the right choice. I am so happy that you were a light for Jesus and his church…..that you are in-charged with for a time. God bless you brother. I hope you and Cindy had a beautiful time and made many precious memories =)
on 17 August 2010 / 6:41 AM
Jeff Maness says,
Shannon, THANK YOU so much for making a stand on this. So glad to see another pastor out there who takes serious their calling and their witness while ON and OFF the “clock”. Thank you for your leadership. You and Brand New Church are a blessing!
on 17 August 2010 / 9:06 AM
Shannon O'Dell says,
Praise God Jeff!
on 17 August 2010 / 9:10 AM
Derek Simpkins says,
Even as “socially acceptable” as people want us to think kicking back and having a beer is (and it may very well be,) I firmly believe that what you are seen doing is how you’re going to be recognized and that’s what people are going to associate you with. Had you opted for the beer and cigar, that couple may have pegged you as the stereotypical hypocrit that repels them from churches in America. Granted, we’re all hypocrits – at least those of us who believe in and love Jesus – but the majority doesn’t see it that way. The majority would put you in the same box as the spiritual influncers that have a few too many in the bar. Your name and face are known and recognized all across the world – how many of the thousands that attend iCampus could have been on that cruise ship?
To answer the question – no, you wouldn’t have caused me, personally, to stumble… but it probably would have been awkward and perhaps made me question some things. I think one of the best ways to show (yourself, others, GOD) that you’re disciplined – and HOW disciplined you are – is to abstain from having a cold one and a cuban in the most enjoyable, relaxing setting…
on 17 August 2010 / 9:19 AM
jackie stone says,
when in doubt throw it out, you know in your gut what is right or wrong if you are a true christian the holy spirit lives in you,we must live up rightly before him, be holy as he is holy
on 17 August 2010 / 9:23 AM
Dwayne Gobin says,
Shannon, that is an interesting question. I do not believe that it would have caused me to stumble; but, I know that there are many Christians out there who are weak in their faith and with just a bit of wind hitting them, they would stumble. Also, the world is watching us whether we are just believers in Christ or we are both believers and leaders in the church. They are looking for us to mess up, so they can prove us wrong. Even when on vacation, there is no rest for those who belong to Christ. I am glad that you did not opt for that drink or cigar also and proud of you because for some it would be a temptation that may had been hard for them to overcome. Praise God that you are continually in His Word and that you do not just go through the motions. God bless you and Cindy!
on 17 August 2010 / 4:02 PM
Jason Curlee says,
Shannon…great post and spot on…I agree so often we cough up it’s not a sin but why can’t we just take the high road like you did…
Great example and thanks for being a living example.
on 18 August 2010 / 7:46 AM
Shannon O'Dell says,
Thank you Jason! Praise God for your faithfulness and passion!
on 18 August 2010 / 8:14 AM
Don Ryan says,
Shannon- you are an epistle, open and read of all men. I have no doubt that Jesus is pleased with you (and the folks you serve love you). I am inspired by your life. Be blessed my friend.
on 22 August 2010 / 11:57 AM
Shannon O'Dell says,
Thank you Don for that encouragement!
on 22 August 2010 / 2:18 PM