How should I approach alcohol in daily life?

I don’t watch The Simpsons but there is one scene that never fails to make me laugh.

The scene contrasts “Protestant” Heaven with a “Catholic” one. For the Protestants, Heaven is essentially a high end country club. For Catholics, on the other hand, Heaven is filled with lively music, good food, and, of course, lots of drinking.

I’m sure it wasn’t the intention but this scene hints at a liberty within the Church.

A liberty which serves as a good reminder when it comes to how we engage with alcohol.

Varieties 

Full disclosure: I don’t drink alcohol.

I came from a church background that didn’t prohibit it (for everyone) but certainly didn’t encourage it.

Considering Romans 14 (see yesterday’s post), the church prohibited leaders from drinking publically, while pastors were prohibited altogether.

But drinking honestly wasn’t a big part of the culture there. As a result, it never stuck for me.

I have nothing against drinking or people who do it; it’s simply not for me.

On the other hand, I have plenty of friends who do drink. They are faithful, kind, and loving followers of Jesus and their drinking doesn’t change that.

It just comes down to preference.

Like that scene from The Simpsons shows, some Christians drink, some don’t. But they still go to Heaven.

(I’m fairly confident the real Heaven isn’t segregated based on tradition, though.)

Drinking in the Christian Life

We’re all informed by our background, personality, and so on. These are important factors to take note of when it comes to approaching drinking.

Drinking itself isn’t bad, so the option is open to all who are of age.

Should you drink, however, do so responsibly. Drinking might not be a sin, but getting drunk is. Besides, healthy moderation is good for any area of life, whether it's drinking, eating, exercise, you name it.

There’s also no obligation to drink, especially if you’re concerned about what it could lead to.

The Holy Spirit blesses us with this liberty and the discernment to accompany it. So pray about it. Learn your limitations and decide to drink in an informed manner.

And don’t forget, Christ is the center. His person and teachings should be the foundation of all we do, drink or dry.

Have a blessed weekend and should you choose to, drink responsibly.

Jon,

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