How can Christians partake in alcohol safely?
Q: My biblical understanding is that alcohol itself is not sinful, it is drunkenness that is the sin. So how can Christian’s partake in alcoholic beverages yet remain sober minded?
A: If avoid it totally you wont get drunk, but to not get drunk by alcohol you need to know the amt that makes you "tipsy before drunk". Not many know that amount. But alcohol also isn't anything we need anymore. We have varied beverages today.
I do not drink at all. I feel that people may 1. look to me in society as a Christian, and 2. if I do something wrong while intoxicated it ruins Christian witness and slanders Christ, [many pastors also live with that motto, (and many have fallen as well for drinking)], and so I don’t want to be a stumbling block to others salvation, and views of Christianity too, nor cause a former alcoholic believer to stumble.
I have no desire to drink and honestly don’t get the hype. I’m content without alcohol and I’m pretty sure it won’t add anything good to my life. I have seen SO MANY people have their lives ruined by alcohol, (not to mention all the ones in times past both in this country [which led to wives getting prohibition passed] to back in early OT times when fermentation was invented for alcohol [consider what happened with Noah]).
Some say "Why would you want to?"
It really comes down to "what your desire for it" is really about.
Today, only 40% in U.S. drink anymore which is good. We have so many other beverage options. Non alcoholic drinks even at bars too, and welches sparkling drinks for celebrations😊. Today, way more than in your parents or grandparents time [Gen X], people are not peer pressured about it in USA anymore [and in general never were pressured into it in many other countries]. You dont need to feel pushed or pressured to do so today. And tbh as a Christian you need to be able to firmly say "no thank you, I prefer xyz" and stick with it if you want to say no. You can't let Satan's minions push you around. Stand firm in the faith, and your beliefs on this, by vocalizing it.
Biblically alcohol itself is not sinful, it is drunkenness and the wrong reasons one desires for it that is the sin. Jesus likely had a wine toast at the wedding (where he made the perfect wine).
Suggestion is consider:
1. Theres 1,000 other kinds of non alcoholic beverages today, do you need alcohol ?
2. Do you think you need it. Why do you need to drink alcohol? Is it to appear of a status? To try to look cool? Is it in seeking comfort? If so thats the sin the world falls into, since we redeemed are living in the righteous nature, we need to seek our comfort and peace in Christ [by the joy in our salvation...and in counsel of the Word], not in alcohol or drugs like the fallen world does [since they have no hope]. And likewise are not to be presenting fakeness, boastful or prideful attitudes.
3. Alcohol was very diluted in Bible times [a 20 to1 ratio], unlike today. Most wouldn't drink that low alcohol % today, as it's basically grape juice. What is sold today is much higher alcohol content. And....they didnt partake in other liquors.
4. Drinking alcohol can lead to people drugging you and taking advantage even in normal drunken situations as well, [drugged even if you didnt get drunk]. So that's another serious concern. As is being taken advantage of by men during you to drink or predatory sex while you're not in your right mind.
5. God calls us to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and be of full sound mind, and of full self control. You cant do that if you drink.
6. Those who drink, tend to seek comfort in alcohol vs getting godly counsel and dealing with a troubling, distressing, or sinful matter. And alcohol destroys their life and destroys family and if by dui can kill others and severely alter their lives through disability.
7. If you desire alcohol and its not a lusting after/sin usage/comfort... and you just like the taste, then recommendation is to
1. Have non alcoholic drinks made that might mimic the taste and or
2. Only have "a small amount" & perhaps make a "personal decree" to only have it at very important situations [and at more safer places] like for a wedding toast, or parents 50th wedding anniv., your marriage anniversary dinner (at home or with a cab/Uber pre scheduled to & from), or some limited but very huge milestone for you in life, [if served by them]. As long as those currently battling and former alcoholics arent present. *That would be the way to ensure you dont get drunk or rely on alcohol 🫂😊.
As you noted, believers need to be vigilant while we are in the world because we are no longer of it like the unsaved sinners are who only lust after and "continually, always and constantly" participate in sin. We are to separate ourselves from the things that can cause or lead us to sin, since we are to live in righteousness and are to be a light to the world. You are right to have concern about falling into sin of drunkenness and it is good you are seeking godly counsel about it. Hope the above helped, and the below too.
We all need to be aware of and educated on things like alcohol, smoking and drugs so we do not fall off the righteous path.
Related Resources
Overcoming Peer Pressure ep 15
Other Resources
Related
Beware of restauraunts stealing your wine, but also besides leaving a tract with your tip. If one is caught stealing the wine in part or whole, you can use it as a springboard in a convo with the sommelier for the Gospel & good test. But dont use it as an excuse to drink. And your behavior at the eatery better be one of proper and holy living to be such a witness. They wont listen to anyone who presents as a hypocrite.
Why I stopped drinking Starts @ :43
Recover from struggles quicker because your trust and focus is on God.
