A segment of the church is opposed to drinking, thinking that alcohol is inherently evil. Other segments of the church, recognizing that alcohol is not prohibited by Scripture, don’t “officially” denounce alcohol; still, some of them do refrain from alcohol (which is fine) in such a way as to appear holier-than-thou (which is not fine). “It’s technically not wrong to drink alcohol,” they would say, “but if you really want to follow the Lord, you will give up the bottle.” Still another group, perhaps due to the overly strict influences of those mentioned above, tend to rebel the other way. For them, drinking is something of a right of passage, a way to showcase their liberties. “After all,” they think, “I am free to do whatever is not forbidden by Scripture.” True enough, but the freedom to drink (and to participate in a whole host of legitimate activities) is not simply an excuse for rebellion, a way of “showing those fundamentalists” that we can do whatever we please. Indeed, we don't want to be enslaved by either our arbitrary rules or our legitimate freedoms!
All this being said, here are some fairly random thoughts on drinking:
1. The biggest issue is not drinking or not drinking. What matters most is our connection with God. Living for Him, reflecting His ways–that’s what matters. Anything that hinders this process–be it drinking or opposing those who do–should be rejected.
2. Drinking is not wrong, only drunkenness is. If you want to have a beer or a glass of wine or whatever, go ahead. Given the priorities just mentioned (# 1), you can do whatever you’d like. Wasn’t it Augustine who said, “Love God, and do whatever you want.” I really like that, for I think it reflects a biblical view on these matters!
3. To uphold and seek to enforce a non-biblical standard is sheer arrogance, for it claims for God what He has not claimed for Himself. In a word, if God has not said it, we had better be very careful what we claim in His name. Taking away from His Word is foolish, as is any effort, however well-intended, to add to His Word.
4. If you want to drink, do it because you like it, because someone offers you a drink and you want to be cordial, because you desire to mingle with others in a socially appropriate way, because . . . I suppose there are a lot of reasons. But don’t drink simply because you want to show how “cool” you are. It looks kind of silly (though it’s somewhat understandable) when Christians, who have discovered their God-given freedom, run around like 16 year olds at a bush party. You drink? So, what? While your fundamentalists buddies won’t approve, most people in society are not impressed that you participate in things that, for them, are quite common. (Of course there are some people outside of the church who will be initially surprised by a believer’s choice to drink. This is due, no doubt, to the stereotype, fostered by many within the church, that “religious” people don’t drink. This, I think, is very unfortunate. Though we ought to have a reputation for doing what it right, we ought not be known for things that don't matter one way or the other!)
5. There is a part of me (I admit, the somewhat rebellious part) that wants to rub the noses of those legalistic types (and there are many of them) in my beer. This might have a place, in my (not-so?) humble opinion. Then again, I suppose it would be better to treat your rigid-minded friends in a gentler manner . . . of course, when I think of the way Jesus responded to the Pharisees, I sometimes wonder. Hmm. :-)
So, there you have it, a handful of off-the-cuff remarks on drinking. The consumption of alcohol is not wrong. If you can drink without transgressing God’s will for you, go for it. Keep in mind, of course, that we, drinkers and non-drinkers alike, have deceitful hearts and that we are all capable of perverting our legitimate freedoms. Remember, as well, that the purpose of your freedom is to live in such a way that God’s ways become more and more evident. These things said, and if you feel so inclined, have a beer!
All this being said, here are some fairly random thoughts on drinking:
1. The biggest issue is not drinking or not drinking. What matters most is our connection with God. Living for Him, reflecting His ways–that’s what matters. Anything that hinders this process–be it drinking or opposing those who do–should be rejected.
2. Drinking is not wrong, only drunkenness is. If you want to have a beer or a glass of wine or whatever, go ahead. Given the priorities just mentioned (# 1), you can do whatever you’d like. Wasn’t it Augustine who said, “Love God, and do whatever you want.” I really like that, for I think it reflects a biblical view on these matters!
3. To uphold and seek to enforce a non-biblical standard is sheer arrogance, for it claims for God what He has not claimed for Himself. In a word, if God has not said it, we had better be very careful what we claim in His name. Taking away from His Word is foolish, as is any effort, however well-intended, to add to His Word.
4. If you want to drink, do it because you like it, because someone offers you a drink and you want to be cordial, because you desire to mingle with others in a socially appropriate way, because . . . I suppose there are a lot of reasons. But don’t drink simply because you want to show how “cool” you are. It looks kind of silly (though it’s somewhat understandable) when Christians, who have discovered their God-given freedom, run around like 16 year olds at a bush party. You drink? So, what? While your fundamentalists buddies won’t approve, most people in society are not impressed that you participate in things that, for them, are quite common. (Of course there are some people outside of the church who will be initially surprised by a believer’s choice to drink. This is due, no doubt, to the stereotype, fostered by many within the church, that “religious” people don’t drink. This, I think, is very unfortunate. Though we ought to have a reputation for doing what it right, we ought not be known for things that don't matter one way or the other!)
5. There is a part of me (I admit, the somewhat rebellious part) that wants to rub the noses of those legalistic types (and there are many of them) in my beer. This might have a place, in my (not-so?) humble opinion. Then again, I suppose it would be better to treat your rigid-minded friends in a gentler manner . . . of course, when I think of the way Jesus responded to the Pharisees, I sometimes wonder. Hmm. :-)
So, there you have it, a handful of off-the-cuff remarks on drinking. The consumption of alcohol is not wrong. If you can drink without transgressing God’s will for you, go for it. Keep in mind, of course, that we, drinkers and non-drinkers alike, have deceitful hearts and that we are all capable of perverting our legitimate freedoms. Remember, as well, that the purpose of your freedom is to live in such a way that God’s ways become more and more evident. These things said, and if you feel so inclined, have a beer!
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