Question:
What are your views on using alcohol as a beverage?
Answer:
The Bible does not give us specific information on all subjects, but it gives us guidelines which we may apply. One of these is found in 1 Cor. 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.”
“Whatever you do” is all inclusive. No activity of our life can be omitted.
Can one drink alcoholic beverages to the glory of God? There have been times when pure drinking water was not available and alcoholic beverages were used instead, but in our present situation we see no need to ingest any alcohol. At times a doctor may prescribe a small amount of wine or brandy to improve one’s health, and the law of God would not prohibit this. But to drink alcoholic beverages for pleasure is not “to the glory of God;” especially when it is known that such beverages damage our bodies and decrease our functionality to the point where our well-being and that of others is jeopardized. The greatest danger is that even small amounts of alcohol may lead to addiction and eventual drunkenness, which Paul said, places us in a category with such as “will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:21).
There is another factor here, and that is the example it sets. Youth who see their elders drinking alcoholic beverages (even if they do so ‘responsibly’), might get the impression that indulgence is harmless and start upon a course that could lead to ruin. All things considered, we feel it is best to abstain totally.
Today the use of alcohol is reaching frightening proportions, especially among the young. Recent statistics show that of those 18 to 25 years of age, 80 percent have used alcohol, and 60 percent use alcohol regularly. Do we wonder why our nation must spend millions to reclaim alcoholics? It will not change greatly until Christ returns, with a new set of laws, laws which separate public good from monetary gain. Until that time arrives, the Christian must add courage to his or her faith, and abstain from that which is harmful.