Why I Reject Alcohol

The temptation to engage in drunkenness, and social drinking, is present, I suppose, throughout all age groups.  But it is especially high among young folks.  I have been asked the question in my life, "why don't you drink?"   So I will take time to give a response form God's divine word. 

The wise man of God, Solomon, wrote these words, "Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine" (Proverbs 23:29-30).   The wise man pointed out some of the effects of the use of alcohol.  In posing the questions he asked.  Who has these problems?  "those who linger long a the wine" and "those who go in search of mixed wine."  Some will undoubtedly say, “well it seems He was speaking of those who get drunk, not to people who just drink a little.” Consider the next few verses, as Solomon gives the remedy to all of those problems. 

Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.   Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.  Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.   They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again (Proverbs 23:30-35).

Did you notice the solution?   Don't even look at it!   It boggles my mind to know that there are those out there who are supposed to be Christians, who would make attempts to justify their social drinking even when such a clear statement of warning is made in God's word. 

Actually, though, this is not the only place wherein the use of alcohol is mentioned and warned against.  Consider the apostle Paul’s writing to the churches of Christ throughout the region of Galatia.   In a list of “the works of the flesh” which “lust against the Spirit” the inspired apostle lists both “drunkenness” and “revellings”  (Galatians 5:16-22).   The word “drunkenness” should be clear to us.  It is the word “revellings” that we ought to concern ourselves with understanding.  The word actually is a description of a drinking party or a carousal.  It does not imply drunkenness, but rather “half drunken” or drinking in order to get a “buzz,” and in particular describes the very thing that goes on at nightclubs, bars, in some cases company parties, etc…  It is a work of the flesh.

In addition to “drunkenness” and “revellings,” Paul includes “and the like.”  Some may say, “well if I go out with friends, and have a few, don't get drunk, don't  get ‘buzzed’ then I am fine.” Well, Paul covered that with “and the like.” Things “like” drunkenness and  revellings are also works of the flesh!  But notice in addition, the result of these “works of the flesh.”   “…I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21).   That brings up a question.   Is having a few drinks worth, not inheriting the kingdom of God?

Some, may still attempt to say, “I don't think that a social drink with friends is included in Paul's writing.”  Personally I would say that that is a foolish thought, that may cost you your soul.  But Peter even deals with that instance as well.  Notice Peter's exhortation. 

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:  Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you… (1 Peter 4:1-4)

As Peter described the distinction between living a life "in the flesh" and living the life of a child of God, he described a number of things that Christians should no longer live in.  Among them are "excess of wine," "revellings," and " banquetings."  We understand easily what excess of wine is.  We have discussed "revellings."  But "banquetings" is a word we should pay attention to.  This word simply means drinking.  It encompasses the idea of having a few beers with the guys on the way home from work.  It includes the idea of having some wine with dinner.  It simply means drinking in a social sense.  How could any Christian make an attempt to justify the very thing God has forbade? 

The question comes to you then; I have explained why I do not drink, the bible forbids it.   Is your soul worth a few drinks?  Will you follow after the lust of the flesh, or the revealed will of the Spirit?

Blessed is the man who listens to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at the posts of my doors.
- Proverbs 8:34

Before You Say I Do
By H. Norman Wright
& Wes Roberts