6 Times When It's Okay For Christians to Drink Alcohol

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There have been many debates over whether or not Christians can consume alcoholic beverages. When a high profile celebrity is photographed or a Christian related event takes place, the media tends to swoon around this topic of conversation and generate a lot of media controversy. The Bible doesn’t say that Christians can’t drink and must abstain from alcohol. However, it does warn Christians against the destructive and addictive nature that can become the outcome of alcohol. Warning disclaimers can be viewed in Proverbs 20:1; 21:17; 23:29-35; and Ephesians 5:18. While clearer mentions of drunkenness being viewed as wrong can be viewed in Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 4:3; Habakkuk 2:15; and 1 Corinthians 5:11.

However, none of that clearly defines or gives any indication as to whether or not it’s truly okay for a Christian to partake in drinking alcohol – other than the passages that indicate that drunkenness is frowned upon. Even though we are again taking on this topic with a Christian lens, we’d like to give our opinions as to when it is okay for Christians to drink alcohol.

Moderation

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Max Lucado made a statement about Christians drinking alcohol saying, “One thing for sure, I have never heard anyone say, ‘A Beer makes me feel more Christ like’. Fact of the matter is this – People don’t associate beer with Christian behavior.” Just like everything else that can harm your body or be presumed as a bad course of judgment, alcohol can be consumed as long as it’s only ever consumed in moderation. Like a soda pop or ice cream cone here and there, you’re not going to be any less Christian because you indulge in something in moderation.

As Lucado said none of those items, including alcohol, will make you feel more Christ like. Therefore, hold off on your judgment and know that the Christians who choose to drink in moderation still believe that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior. Consuming a beer or mixed drink is not going to change that.

When the Decision Doesn’t Revolve Around Motivation

There is no direct ban on Christians drinking alcohol – similar to the controversy, there is no ban on Christians getting tattoos either. Yet, both are frowned upon in some Christian communities. It's important that consuming a drink doesn't revolve around the motivation of others, like peer pressure. For example, many young Christians partake in activities as a form of rebellion and lashing out against their parents and/or guardians. This instance is not at all okay. Another example is when an individual endures a difficult time in their life and they surround themselves with individuals that don’t have good morals and ethics – particularly centered on consuming alcohol.

The Context

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If you’re going out after work to hang out with a few friends and have a few drinks during happy hours – that’s not a problem. Romans 14:13 says, “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” Which means don’t drive drunk, don’t drink around others who are recovering alcoholics or are struggling with substance abuse, and don’t drink to the point where you can no longer make good decisions because your judgment is heavily impaired.

We all have the power of self-control and should not put ourselves into a dangerous situation. Jesus will be happy as long as you’re carrying yourself in an authentic Christian like manner. Which means stay true to your faith and do unto others the way you would like them to do unto you.

Maintain Control

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Proverbs 20:1 says, “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” This scripture further implicates that drinking is okay as long as you do it with a sober mind. Which means don’t get drunk and surrender your body, mind and soul to anything other than your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Do not be foolish, make good decisions and opt out of situations that will impair your judgment and steer you off course.

Maintaining control also means you need to stay true to your beliefs at all times. Don’t let loose on your faith and don’t bend the rules just because you’re having a good time drinking alcohol. Your faith and devotion to your Lord and Savior should always be your number one. If the placement of faith is altered, then you should reevaluate your decision to consume alcohol because drinking isn’t a priority.

Maintain Your Character

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When any Christian is drinking their overall spirit should not be shaped by the alcoholic beverage. If God’s Holy Spirit that lives within each Christian is altered by drinking then it’s not okay to drink. However, if a Christian is living God’s purpose to the fullest without alcohol then it’s alright to have a drink from time to time. Galatians 5:22 – 23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” This scripture reiterates the importance of staying true to yourself and the faith you follow. Drinking alcohol can debilitate one’s ability to follow their faith and the values that are attested to those beliefs. However, is a Christians drinking becomes one of drunkenness then it infringes on that person’s ability to be a Christian follower.

So have a drink, but do it as yourself. Do it so that you’re not having to be someone else to have a good time. Instead have a good time as you. Don’t change for anyone because you can have fun being yourself.

Maintain Your Dignity

Sometimes the character of a person and their dignity can be thought of as the same concept; however, it’s important to remember that these are separate elements. Drinking alcohol can cloud an individual’s judgment therefore, it’s very important to maintain your dignity when consuming alcohol as a Christian. If you’re going to have a good time with alcohol, you need to be aware of what is going on around you and know how to react to everything that’s going on. Remember that drinking to excess, in terms of alcohol, to the point that you become impaired and behave differently than the real you will impact your integrity and how others perceive you. If you’re unable to control your drinking and exhibit this behavior, then drinking isn’t for you. With drinking comes great responsibility. Not only do you have to make sure you’re able to walk away, but you need to make you’re handling yourself in a dignified nature that isn’t embarrassing to your Christian faith.