Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                              Proverbs 20:1 

Today: Read Proverbs 20

If you have been a believer for any length of time, you have probably been a part of the discussion involving whether or not a Christian should use alcohol. For starters, the Bible does not prohibit the use of alcohol. This is a personal decision that must be made on the part of every believer. However, the issue of drunkenness is an entirely different matter. Today’s passage reminds us that we should not allow ourselves to be intoxicated by wine, strong drink, or any other substance. Some believers understand their freedom in Christ to partake yet still make the decision to avoid the consumption of alcohol altogether. But for those believers that approach their freedom in Christ and partake, the importance of moderation should be carefully considered. Let’s examine three reasons why drunkenness is not appropriate for a born again believer and follower of Jesus Christ.

(1) Being Drunk Is Contrary To Being Filled With The Spirit

Consider the clear and concise admonition from Paul:

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit…

                                                                                                Ephesians 5:18 

Paul instructs us to avoid drunkenness. He equates this behavior with dissipation, which means moral corruption or wickedness. For a non-believer to be involved in this type of behavior should not come as a surprise to anyone. Those who embrace the world will inevitably participate in and approve of the things that the world holds in high esteem. But this type of behavior has no place in the life of a believer. When Christians surrender themselves to the abuse of any substance, something has gone terribly wrong.

In contrast, Paul encourages us to be filled with the Spirit of God. This is only possible for someone who has been born again (John 3:3). Consider someone who is enjoying unhindered fellowship with God and other believers, is operating in the calling and purpose for which God has created him/her, and is delighting in a daily, intimate time with God through prayer and Bible study. It would be quite absurd to suggest that this individual would still feel the need to abuse a substance. There is nothing like being filled with the Spirit of God and seeing His favor in our lives. By contrast, substance abuse and intoxication are nothing short of escapism. When it comes to these two competing lifestyles, there really is no comparison.

(2) How We Behave Affects Others Around Us

For every serious student of the Bible, including church leaders, I would highly recommend spending quality time in Romans 14. In this portion of his letter, Paul discusses the issue of participating in activities that are negotiable, meaning that there is some ambiguity. Paul reminds us that there should be no judgment from either party. Those who abstain from drinking should not judge those who choose to drink in moderation. Likewise, those who drink in moderation are not to judge those who abstain. Every person must make up their own mind on this issue after much prayer and consideration.

But when making the decision whether or not to partake in drinking, we must consider the effect that it will have on others. Our personal decisions are not ours alone rather every choice that we make has the potential to guide or misguide those around us. Consider the following:

All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God.                                                           

                                                                                                Romans 14:20b-22

Whatever we do, we need not participate if it causes our brother to stumble. This is the essence of what it means to consider others as more important than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4). We should respect the decisions of those around us while encouraging each other as believers. Even when drunkenness is not the issue, we should consider the impact that our behavior will have on others before making our final decision on drinking alcohol.

(3) The Christian Life Should Look Different From That Of The World

For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you…

                                                                                                     1 Peter 4:3-4 

Two important truths come from this passage. First, as believers, we are to demonstrate a changed life. Peter reminds us that we have already spent enough time pursuing what the Gentiles do, meaning the world. Secondly, he reminds us that if we make the decision to reject our former way of living, those around us, who are not believers, will be surprised that we do not do what we used to and they will insult us for our commitment. Perhaps, after your conversion, you were faced with family members or former friends accusing you of not “being as much fun as you used to be.” This is exactly the issue that Peter is raising. The Christian life should look different from the rest of the world. When we engage in substance abuse including drunkenness, we show ourselves to be just like everyone else. This is not the calling that Christ has placed on the life of a believer (John 15:19).

Drunkenness is something that we might expect to see in the life of someone who is young and immature, but it is not something that should accompany the life of a maturing believer. Whatever decision we make regarding this issue, we should always remember the importance of moderation.