Is Drinking a Sin?

I’ve been asked this question many times. And the Christian world is split in two on this one. Some Christians feel that it is terribly evil and you should never touch it or even look at it, or eat at a restaurant that serves it, and then there are those who feel as long as you drink responsibly (not being drunk, or inebriated) you are fine.

Usually those who feel it is evil look down on those who do drink and would never drink in public where people could see them, but they do it secretly... this is what we call being hypocritical!

Can I just say that clearly those who feel drinking is evil should stay clear of it, BUT do not judge those who feel it’s okay to drink responsibly. Too many times we Christians like to put OUR convictions on others… which is to judge.

So Timmy, do you drink? And what do you think about it? Well, first let me say that I fall in the camp that believes that to drink responsibly is fine, as long as you are not getting drunk, or taking away from your responsibilities in any way. (I could teach here for 3 days!)

Do I drink? I do on occassion. I recently made a decision to limit my consumption of alcohol. Not because I think it’s a sin! Drinking is NOT a sin! It’s a choice that each person must make! Now on special occassions I may still have a beer with pizza, or a glass of fine wine when in the company of my wife.

Though, for me I just got to thinking about my bio-logical father who died at 37 years of age from alcohol, and many of the health challenges associated with alcohol he faced… and I just made a decision that I felt was the best thing for me, my family and my ministry. Now, don’t get me wrong I still smoke a good cigar now and then. And no, I don’t inhale!

On a serious note; there was a scripture that kept ringing in my mind when I was thinking about all this; 1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.”

I try and look at all of life through these "filter" questions:

1.) What does this ADD to my life?

2.) What does it take away from my life?

3.) What value am I or my family receiving from this?

4.) What does this ADD to those around me?

5.) What is the long term advantage or disadvantage of this activity?

6.) Will this activity help me achieve my goals?

Now sometimes there are things we all engage in that are purely because WE JUST ENJOY IT! Like a ice cold beer with pizza, and that is wonderful if you like that! We, as Christians SHOULD enjoy all that life has to offer! Just drink responsibly!

Much love!