Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.
Instead be filled with the spirit.
Ephesians 5:18
A hot and controversial topic held amongst believers since, well, ever. Granted there wasn't 50+ brands of vodka to choose from in biblical times nor did any of the disciples throw back a couple of cold ones together. There was wine because as far as we know there was no distilled liquor during the time of the Messiah or prior. So let's get this immediately out of the way. Nowhere in scripture does the bible directly condemn the consumption of alcohol as a whole. However if I leave it at that some of you will run with the idea and take advantage. While yes, the scriptures doesn't forbid drinking, it does speak about the overindulgence of drinking or basically getting drunk. A few scriptures that touch on it are Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:20 and Ephesians 5:18 (written at the beginning of the blog) to name a few.
It should be noted that believers can live a perfectly happy, healthy and "lit" life without drinking. When preaching I've always said and still say you should recognize your vices or where your weak points are. If you know alcohol is an issue in your life you should stay away from it especially if you're a recovering alcoholic. Another thing is peer pressure. The enemy doesn't always come as an ugly monster-like creature. As a matter of fact that's hardly ever the case. The enemy will come in the form of alluring, attractive or convenient temptations. With alcohol you may be able to be a "one and done" person but the influence of family and friends plus a sinfully provocative atmosphere can push you to have "just one more drink" if you're not spiritually prepared to be in that environment. I've been to get togethers, parties and events where alcohol has been served. Now, when I do drink it's usually as an accompaniment to a meal never really for the sake of drinking. Maybe if socializing I'll have a small something with friends but never more than 1 as I know my limitations. However, if I know I'm with someone who struggles with it or is new to the faith and may not grab to the idea of alcohol isn't wrong in itself, I will not drink at all to prevent confusion or stumbling (1 Cor 8:13).
My teacher Miguel Cotto (pictured above) discussed the issues of alcohol and believers. He made a very valid and sobering point (no pun intended). He mentions in the sermon that his father drank and the alcohol was often fuel for abusive behavior. This is something to heavily consider as well. The overindulgence of alcohol can lead to unawareness, poor judgement, an unbridled mouth and can increase violent behavior due to no cognitive restraint. Some people lean on alcohol because they want to get inebriated or "wasted" to temporarily forget their problems but it's just that—temporary.
While certain kinds of alcohol have been shown to be good for some things (ex. Red Wine is good for cardiovascular health) hardly anyone is ever drinking to their heath. So can believers drink alcohol? Yes, you certainly can. Should you? Either in moderation or not at all. It's often grazed over in advertisements but there is a reason why your told to drink responsibly. Whatever you may be trying
to escape through alcohol will still be there after the hangover. There's nothing wrong with a glass of lemonade (not the hard stuff!) or a cup of coffee (not with Kahlua!).
- William
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| Rabbi Miguel Angel Cotto speaking on believers and alcohol |
My teacher Miguel Cotto (pictured above) discussed the issues of alcohol and believers. He made a very valid and sobering point (no pun intended). He mentions in the sermon that his father drank and the alcohol was often fuel for abusive behavior. This is something to heavily consider as well. The overindulgence of alcohol can lead to unawareness, poor judgement, an unbridled mouth and can increase violent behavior due to no cognitive restraint. Some people lean on alcohol because they want to get inebriated or "wasted" to temporarily forget their problems but it's just that—temporary.
While certain kinds of alcohol have been shown to be good for some things (ex. Red Wine is good for cardiovascular health) hardly anyone is ever drinking to their heath. So can believers drink alcohol? Yes, you certainly can. Should you? Either in moderation or not at all. It's often grazed over in advertisements but there is a reason why your told to drink responsibly. Whatever you may be trying
to escape through alcohol will still be there after the hangover. There's nothing wrong with a glass of lemonade (not the hard stuff!) or a cup of coffee (not with Kahlua!).
 |
| Hip Hop artists Wordsplayed & Andy Mineo celebrate sobriety with the hit "Martinelli" |
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