Should Christians drink alcohol?
I ran across this article by Pastor Mark last week and it is what got me interested in discussing this topic. It's a fascinating and excellent read. He gives well-sourced arguments for alcohol.
However, there is a section in the bible that does speak against alcohol and it does give me pause:
Proverbs 31:4-7
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel—
it is not for kings to drink wine,
not for rulers to crave beer,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6 Let beer be for those who are perishing,
wine for those who are in anguish!
7 Let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.
it is not for kings to drink wine,
not for rulers to crave beer,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6 Let beer be for those who are perishing,
wine for those who are in anguish!
7 Let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.
I am raising 4 children and they are watching me. I am raising up men and I am raising them to be kings. Will it be a hypocrisy for me to drink wine in front of them?
Also, do I want to classify myself with the poor and oppressed, in need of the reprieve of alcohol?
Obviously this portion is not intended to be absolute, else it would contradict everything else the Bible says about wine, but it certainly needs to be considered.
What do you think?
5 comments:
Good for you to do your homework girlie!! I grew up in a home where alcohol was taboo. It seems like in recent years (in my world anyways) I've been exposed to so many Christians who "imbibe" - and people I have great respect for! I've been quite naive on the subject but have never had any qualms about it. For goodness sakes! Jesus' first miracle was turning water into some pretty dang good stuff! :) I think it is (as with most things) our hearts that God is wondering about. And I think if your boys see you doing your homework, they know your heart - that you want to do the right thing, they'll understand. And so yes - I think it's just fine. And no, I don't think it will be an association with those who are on death's door, etc... Doesn't Jesus say he'll be drinking his next glass in heaven with us? So I think if it's going to happen in heaven, it's not at all a bad thing. :) my 2 cents.
It seems to me that the verse in Proverbs is talking about more than a drink or two since it speaks of drinking to the point of forgetting. Wouldn't that be under the category of drinking to excess? Trying to drown their troubles is the sort of thing we see often in people who are poor or feel otherwise oppressed. It's probably the subject of 50% of country songs. I don't think a drink or two falls into the same category, particularly not if it isn't a habit pattern or something that has become a need.
Simply enough, I agree Jenn
I too interpret 'forgetting' to drinkin' to excess.
Our generation was taught that the wine in the Bible was 'fresh' and not fermented wine. Thus, contained no alcohol. Now, if ya could show me THAT passage, I'd appreciate it. Heeehehehe!!!
There are those who could not handle one drink. It would lead to their downfall.
It is ironic that such a taboo subject is featured as Jesus' first miracle isn't it.
I love your heart and passion to please God and do what is right before your children.
God bless you sweetie, and have a beautiful day!!! :o)
Although I am not interested in having a glass of wine (I went through the drinking and partying in my youth, before I was saved and it repulses me now.) I have pondered this often,for the sake of knowing truth. The conclusion I came to was abstaining keeps away the possibility of being a stumbling block to someone else, who may have a weakness. It also keeps me from having to guard against the alcohol ever getting power over me. Sometimes, as humans, we get down and depressed. It would be easier to gravitate toward something like that if we already exposed ourselves to its use.
I think what Paul said, says it best. "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." 1 Cor. 10:23 and 1 Cor. 6:12 "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."
Best wishes on your quest for truth, Jenn.
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