This topic has come up quite frequently as of late. There is a wide variety of opinion on the subject. It seems like Christians are not all on the same page either. (Imagine that right! - sarcasm) It seems as well that the younger generations are more likely to approve of the consumption of alcohol with the rallying cry, "It is ok, as long as you don't get drunk!" Even the "older" generations don't seem to be as harsh on the subject as they used to be. The idea there seems to be, if we are too harsh, we will be seen as legalistic. To be sure, our actions should be based on our convictions, and our convictions need to be based in Scriptures. With that being said, let me share my convictions.
1.) How many lives have been destroyed by the consumption and abuse of alcohol? That simple question ought to at least raise a red flag for us when we are considering whether or not to partake. Add to this thought Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." How many of those afore mentioned lives started down the road of ruin by the self deception of "Hey, I can handle it"? Why can't we save ourselves future heartache by not even dabbling with dangerous stuff?
2.) Let's look at Proverbs 31:4-6. "(4) It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: (5) Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. (6) Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts." From these verses we can ascertain that reasoning is impaired through the consumption of strong drink. The king who was in a position of influence and authority was to avoid "strong drink" because it could lead to bad decision making.
Note also that alcohol has a dulling effect. One of the admonition in verse 6 is to give strong drink to the dying. This would be to dull their sensation of pain. Dull senses lengthen reaction time and can lead to other problems. (Such is the case of drunk driving.) A person who wants to maintain control of their faculties needs to avoid the impairment of "strong drink."
3.) In the New Testament we are admonished to "... be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;" (Ephesians 5:18) This verse really begs the question, What is influencing you? Alcohol can reduce the inhibitions of someone to the point they will do anything. (Just ask people if they have regrets about things they did after consuming a few drinks.) Someone claiming to be a child of God should be under the leadership of the Holy Spirit at all times. If alcohol will hinder me from hearing the guiding voice of the Holy Spirit and doing things that will grieve Him, don't you think abstaining might be a good option?
4.) We have all probably heard the argument on this topic concerning 1 Corinthians 8:9 "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak." We need to remember we are not the only child God has. Anyone who has put their faith and trust in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ is also a child of God. Many are struggling with different temptations. Do we want to put our Brother or Sister in a position where they might be tempted to return to a former lifestyle? Do we want to be the cause of hindering their walk with God. Let us balance and look at the whole picture.
In conclusion: I have a print out (which I will make available to anyone who wants one) entitled 70 Biblical references against alcohol. None of the references paint a pretty picture as to what can happen under the influence of "strong drink." I know there are many who will use the arguments mentioned in the introduction to try to validate their own position (and many others, I've heard them all.) But let me close by asking one last question; How many lives, families, and relationships have been hurt, ruined, or destroyed by abstaining from alcohol? Which option will be safer for humanity?
Act on your own convictions, but make sure your convictions are based on the Bible, not personal preference. :-)
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