“I killed a man.” These were the words spoken on a video on YouTube released on September 3, 2013. As of September 13, the video has been viewed over 2 million times. Matthew Cordle, a 22-year-old man, is the one who made the confession on the video. In the 3 ½ minute video, Cordle details what happened on June 22, 2013, when he says that after drinking heavily, he got in his truck, blacked out, ended up driving the wrong way on an interstate, and crashed into a vehicle driven by a 61-year-old veteran, Vincent Canzani. Canzani was killed in the crash. “I was trying to have a good time and I ended up losing control,” he said. At the time of the crash, Cordle’s blood alcohol level was 0.191, more than double the state of Ohio’s legal limit. “I will take full responsibility for what I’ve done,” he said. “I won’t dishonor Vince’s memory by lying about what happened.” In the video, Cordle explains that he made the video to make a plea to others to refrain from drinking and driving. “I’m begging you please don’t drink and drive,” he said.
What a hard truth to face, but it was the truth. Only when we face the truth about ourselves is there any real hope of recovery. To say, “I’m wrong, I have a problem” is the only way to start down the road that can prevent further harm. Sin is sin, but not all sin has equal consequences. Drunkenness is a sin (I Corinthians 6:9-11) and will keep one from “inheriting the kingdom of God.” Drunkenness behind the wheel can have terrible consequences here on earth for the driver and for innocent victims on the road. The scriptures would teach us not to be involved in drunkenness at all. But indeed, for the sake of others and yourself do not drink and drive! God’s teaching has a better way for us. Come and learn of His teachings.
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