Sorry for the false post earlier.... (pushed the wrong button)
"...and do not be drunk with wine..." Eph 5:18
I have found that this issue (alcohol) sparks tons of controversy in the Christian community for a number of reasons.
One reason is that many have seen dramatic examples of what the abuse of alcohol can do in the life and lives of those who abuse and those around them. We see the wreckage of this sin and the catastrophic consequences on families, children and communities where people abuse alcohol.
Another reason is that christians can tend to associate the object (alcohol) with the sin (the abuse). That is, when Christians see the wreckage of the abuses of alcohol they assume the alcohol is to blame.
I believe that this is a misunderstanding of the issue and can't really be fixed if the root issue isn't addressed. This post is an attempt at addressing a much larger underlying issue that will help us (or at least helps me) sort through the biblical response to these issues.
"All things are lawful..." 1 Cor 10:23
In this passage in 1 Corinthians 10, Paul is addressing things that a person eats that go into the body. His overall point is about loving others more than ourselves and making sure we don't encourage behavior in others that would be sinful because of their own proclivities. He sums up this idea by saying in verse 31, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Notice that Paul does not condemn the person who eats meat that had been sacrificed to idols. For Paul the issue wasn't the meat. This is explained by Paul in further detail in 1 Cor 8. In 8:8-9 he says, "Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse of if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But, take care that this right of yours (to eat) does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak."
Food is not the issue. Alcohol is not the issue.
Both food and alcohol go into the body and create responses in both the body and the brain. They affect the way you act, and think. When people eat too much food and become morbidly obese, we do not then say "No one should ever eat again." So too, when people abuse alcohol and get drunk, the Christian should not then pull to the extreme and say, "No one should ever drink alcohol again." You see, this type of logic doesn't solve the problem.
Confronting our idolatry:
The problem is the sinful heart of people. Some will abuse food because of a deep need for comfort, or because food makes them "feel" good. What they are seeking is escape. What they are needing is salvation from the stresses of this world. Sometimes it is the feelings of rejection and inadequacy, and other times it is medication for deep sorrow or stress that drive the desire. People do the same things with alcohol. What we really are seeking is a savior. What we need, is Jesus.
For the Christian that feels the freedom to drink alcohol there are some questions that must be asked.
- Why am I drinking?- Is this because I am avoiding something in life? Is this my "decompression chamber? Am I using alcohol for something, that I should be running to Jesus for? Am I drinking to numb something, avoid something, or get a buzz?
- Can I treat alcohol as normal?- Is having a beer or martini like having a cup of coffee, or a soda? Do I place unnatural emphasis on this beverage because it is more than just a drink for me?
- How often do I drink?- Is this a special occasion kind of thing, or is it an everyday kind of thing?
- Does alcohol have power over me?- What is driving my desire to consume alcohol? Do I feel shame and the need to hide my drinking? How much time, money and energy goes to drinking and does it steal away resources from other more valuable areas of my life?
- Am I getting drunk?- The clear commandment of scripture is not to be drunk but to be filled with the Spirit.( Eph 5:18) The bible also teaches that the fruit of God's Spirit is "self-control". (Gal 5:23) Am I in control of myself when I drink, or do I make poor or sinful choices, and say carnal things?
- Do I care more about my "freedom" than I do those around me?- Am I knowingly hurting those around me by drinking? Do I allow my freedom to be a temptation to people who don't share my freedom? Is someone around me emboldened to sin because of my use of alcohol?
"...not all things are helpful...not all things build up..." 1 Cor 10:23
In the words of Spiderman..."With great power, comes great responsibility." As Christians, we have been given great power in being given freedom. With the freedom we have, comes an incredible responsibility to love others more than ourselves, and make sure that our freedom isn't just a cloak for indulgence into sinful behavior. Some believers truly have the freedom to consume alcohol. Sometimes it is not the most helpful thing to exercise that freedom. Sometimes it does not build up or edify to exercise that freedom. And those with the freedom are held accountable by God to consider how they have used their freedom.
3 comments:
I think one other dynamic to this discussion is the lack of faith we have when it comes to Christ. In the absence of faith we make a rule that says, "Drinking alcohol is a sin." But when we excercize faith and abide in Christ then we have the fruit of the Spirit which is self-control. Rules are a poor substitute for the fruit of the Spirit.
I appreciate what you had to say here Jeremy.
Thanks Jer,
"In the absence of faith, people will substitute rules"
It is so true. I would also add that in the absence of faith people will substitute licentiousness.
People also like the rule that everything is lawful and would rather just accept that rule as well. In reality the grace of God is teaching us something according to Titus 2:11-14.
True faith begets true godliness.
"It is so true. I would also add that in the absence of faith people will substitute licentiousness."
I guess it is called a narrow path for a reason eh?
b.t.w., Its Jeremiah, I don't know why it abbreviated my name, probably my complete ineptitude.
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