When Christians "Drink"

Many Christians regularly drink alcoholic beverages, some are my own friends and family members. I can't find a verse or passage in the bible that specifically forbids “drinking” but I can't shake the notion that something is out of sync with scripture.

When Christians “Drink”.

Every American Christian-drinker is eventually forced to answer the question “why?”.

I have heard several reasons:

(my comments are in parenthesis)

Jesus drank wine.

(the wine that Jesus drank was virtually if not totally non-alcoholic and Jesus never got drunk)

• 
  It makes non-believers more willing to listen when I witness to them.

(non-believers are not confronted with their own sin when they see Christians who act just like them.)

• 
  I don't drink to get drunk, I am just a social drinker.

(this is not a good reason or excuse, it's just reflects a lack of understanding.)

• 
  I have freedom in Christ.

(Gal 5:13 says “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.“)

• why not?

(ok, since you asked)

Ephesians 5:15-18 gives us a very clear contrast between drunkenness and a being filled with the Spirit:

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,"

Drunkenness is unwise, foolish and dissolute.

Gal 5:16 commands Christians to walk by the Spirit:

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”

Gal 5:19-21 defines walking in the flesh:

“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
21 envying, drunkenness,(emphasis added) carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Gal 5:22-23 defines walking by the spirit:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

I ask you, When you have been drinking which attributes are more likely:

• love or hate?


• Joy or fear?


• Patience or impatience?


• Kindness or meanness?


• Goodness or filthiness?


• Faithfulness or unfaithfulness?


• Gentleness or violence?


• Self control or recklessness?

Instead of trying to get as close to the world as possible without falling, why not follow the command in 2 Timothy 2:22:

"Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."

If every swallow brings you a little closer to drunkenness, then what good is taking the first sip?

until next time

David