As with many subjects, the issue of alcohol can be a touchy subject. Some have no taste or interest in drinking. Others find a bottle of beer or glass of wine a nice addition to a good meal. Still others have seen firsthand the devastating effects that the abuse of alcohol can have. So what are Christians to think? What does the Bible have to say? Consider these six principles:
- Alcohol, as part of God’s good creation, can be consumed and enjoyed in a healthy, responsible, and God-glorifying way. However, as with other aspects of God’s creation (such as food, caffeine, tobacco, etc.) alcohol can be misused and abused resulting in grave consequences in family, church, business, and society. The effects of the abuse of alcohol include violence, poverty, injustice, strife, depression, apathy, addiction, and physical sickness. Overindulging in alcohol is forbidden by God and destructive. (Psalm 104:14-15; 1 Timothy 4:4-5, 5:23, 6:17; Proverbs 4:17, 20: 1,17, 23:29-35, 31:4-7; Isaiah 5:11-12; Galatians 5:19,21; 1 Timothy 3:2-3; Romans 13:12; I Corinthians 5:11; I Thessalonians 5:6; I Timothy 3:8; and 1 Peter 4:3)
- Alcohol’s effect on individuals varies from person to person; yet, the consumption of alcohol does affect a person’s mind and body. Since believers are called to always be under the influence of the Holy Spirit, a person has drunk to excess when the alcohol’s influence hinders the influence of the Holy Spirit. Each individual has the responsibility to know one’s limits and stay clear of those limits. (Ephesians 5:17-20)
- Each believer must know one’s strengths and weaknesses, search the Scriptures, and seek the leading of the Holy Spirit to determine God’s desire for your personal consumption of alcohol. If you cannot drink alcohol in full faith that doing so will glorify God, you should abstain. While the consumption of alcohol is permissible and may be enjoyable, if you recognize the personal potential for over-indulgence, addiction, or idolatry, it is better to abstain. (Romans 14:22-23; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 5:29-30)
- While we have the freedom to drink alcohol in moderation, we must not exercise our freedom if it will cause offense, taint our witness, or encourage others with a weaker conscience to drink and thereby violate their conscience. Practically, this means that before consuming or serving alcohol we have a responsibility to take initiative to understand the convictions, weaknesses, and temptations of those around us. (1 Corinthians 8:9-13, 10:23-33; Romans 14:13-22)
- The believer who has a biblically informed and Spirit-led conviction to abstain from alcohol should not pass judgment on a believer who drinks responsibly in moderation. The believer who has a biblically informed and Spirit-led conviction to drink responsibly in moderation should not look down on a believer who is convicted to abstain from alcohol. (Romans 14:1-4)
- Given the glorified status and devastating affects the abuse of alcohol has in modern society, believers should search the Scriptures and consider the potential benefits for family, church, and community of avoiding or significantly limiting the consumption of alcohol; however, we should not make a universal prohibition against all use of alcohol. (1 Timothy 4:1-5)
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31