ALCOHOL
This word produces different thoughts, feelings, memories, and actions for everybody. A question that is discussed often is whether or not Christians should consume alcoholic beverages. Let’s see what Scripture says. First, from what I’ve discovered in my research, wine is the only alcoholic drink mentioned in the Bible (“strong drink” is simply “strong wine”), not beer, or hard liquor.
No logical person can argue that getting drunk is wrong. Ephesians 5:18 says plainly, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, …” (See also 1 Cor. 6:10; Gal. 5:21). However, as Bible abiding Christians, we cannot deny the fact that use of wine (nothing else) is not condemned in the Bible. In fact, it is sometimes suggested (1 Tim. 5:23). Some people, such as priests and kings…those in great leadership positions, are told not to drink [wine] at all (Lev. 10:9; Prv. 31:4-5), while others are told to limit their intake (1 Tim. 3:2-3; Ti. 2:3). The big question though, regardless of the acceptance of wine in the Bible, isn’t, Can we as Christians drink? (for everything is permissible); the question is, Should we drink? (for not everything is beneficial). NO.
Many Christians who argue vehemently that drinking is fine, as long as it’s done in moderation, are most often those that simply want to drink. Outside of the Bible, the fact that so many experts say that having one glass only of alcohol per day (for women, two for men) is good for the heart, and can even stave off dementia and diabetes, (along with the fact that some beers contain a mineral that promotes good bone health), seemingly gives people an argument to use to justify drinking. The most common Scripture references used in an attempt to justify drinking is that Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-11), that Paul admonished Timothy to have a glass of wine rather than water (1 Tim. 5:23), and the belief that wine was served at the Lord’s Supper (Mt. 26:26-29; Mk. 14:22-25; Lk. 22:19-20).
Regarding first and briefly the assumed benefits of moderate drinking, it appears that even experts disagree. The disadvantages seem to outweigh the alleged good when it comes to wine consumption (please see[1] and [2] below for more info). Eat a healthy diet, exercise, don’t smoke or do drugs—that’s enough protection. Consume calcium for your bones and anti-oxidants from other sources, or take supplements. Drinking alcohol is not the answer to your health concerns.
Yes, Jesus turned water into wine. Let’s look at a few things. We know that wine is not condemned, but this passage is not an invitation for all Christians to jump into the wine bottle. Wine was a staple of the diet of the people of Israel in the times of the Bible. Did Jesus drink the wine? There is absolutely no indication that He did, nor is there any biblical reference to His ever drinking wine (we will talk about the Last Supper later). Also, think of the purpose of what He did. Weddings were all about the bride and groom; in this passage, neither are important (the bride isn’t even mentioned). The focus is on the miracle, Christ’s first sign, not the wine. Imagine the impact His act had on those servants who filled those jars with water, only to see wine fill the cups. He “manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him” (v. 11).
As far as Paul telling Timothy to have wine…it was for medicinal purposes and certainly doesn’t tell us as Christians to start drinking wine just because we want to or we have a belly ache. Again, wine was a staple. They didn’t have the medical knowledge or technology that we have today. Who knows, Timothy probably only needed some Pepto!
The Lord’s/Last Supper. It is true that Christ and His disciples had “fruit of the vine” in the cup. Many do believe this was fermented grape juice=wine. However, J. Vernon McGee makes a good point about it being the Passover. The Passover is the time of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Why would they eat unleavened bread but drink leavened (fermented) grape juice? It’s a very good point. Also, the word “wine” was never used in the Lord’s Supper passages as it is elsewhere, only “cup” and “fruit of the vine” were used. But in the end, we simply do not know if it was truly wine, or simply juice.
What Christians really want to look at is their witness, rather than their wants or even the fact that they are “allowed” to drink wine. Ask yourselves some questions. Why (what are your motives?), where, and when do you drink? Do you drink for the supposed health benefits? Take supplements, exercise, and eat healthily, then you don’t “need” to drink. Do you drink in public? Why? If anywhere, drinking should take place in your home. Do you drink every day/night, at certain times/occasions? Why, is it habit? What do you drink? Do you stick to wine? Or do you get into the beer and hard stuff? Why? How much do you drink? Do you drink in “moderation”?
And most importantly, what kind of image do you portray when you drink or buy alcoholic beverages? This last question is the absolute key to why we should not drink. We are told not to be stumbling blocks for people (Rom. 14:19-21; 1 Cor. 8:9; 2 Cor. 6:3-4). If your drinking causes anyone to question Christianity, God, salvation, whether or not they would want to be a Christian, or causes them to look badly on or think badly about Christianity and God, or anything else negative, then your drinking is wrong. What impression do you think you give when you buy alcohol? Buying alcohol never has a positive effect on Christianity. The image alcohol portrays is one of drunkenness and lack of self control; both are opposites of what we as Christians are told to possess. We as Christians are responsible for how we express Christ in us. We should live our lives carefully and in a way that people see God through us, to bring people to God and to glorify Him. Our lives should be lived differently from those who are not Christians. What is your witness?
Make wise choices depending on your circumstances. If there is any possibility of pushing someone away from God, confusing them, or causing them to think negatively about God and His people, then don’t have that drink. But, you never truly know how your drinking will influence or affect someone else, which is why it’s better to just leave the alcohol alone. No good can come from it.
God Bless,
Niki Ƹ>Ï<Ʒ
[1] Rabin, Roni Caryn. “Alcohol’s Good for You? Some Scientists Doubt It.” June 15, 2009. The New York Times online.
[2] Nelson, Sue. “Alcohol: Is it really good for you?.” June 8, 2009. BBC News online.
No comments:
Post a Comment