Alcohol

Alcohol is a controversial topic for Christians. It is fairly clear that alcoholic drinks are not prohibited by the scriptures.

The argument about the difference between wine and grape church is irrelevant, because in a hot climate without refrigeration, there is no ability to preserve grape juice without it fermenting in some way. Of course, they had no capacity to producing high-alcohol-content drinks using a distillery, so these cannot be justified by the scriptures.

I believe there are three reasons why a Christian might drink alcoholic beverages.

1. Enjoyment of the flavours of the drinks.

   I do not enjoy the flavour of either beer or wine, but there are particular reasons for that. When I was a child, my father kept a pig. We often helped him by feeding household food waste to it. He kept a bucket of barley soaked in water so he could add a cup of soaked barley to the rest of the pig food. In the summer, the barley fermented a little and gained a beery smell. Consequently, I have never liked the taste of beer, because it reminded me of pig food.

   Wine also seems to be an acquired taste, because I have never found one with a flavour that I really enjoy (I understand that other people do enjoy the flavour)

2. Sharing in a social mood

   I would occasionally sip half a glass of wine when out for a meal with work colleagues so as not to disrupt a social occasion.

3. The effect that alcohol has on their mood.

   Most people drink alcohol to improve their mood (confidence or happiness).

   The book of Proverbs says that beer or wine should be given to a person who is bitter of dying.

   Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
   And wine to those who are bitter of heart (Prov 31:6).

   If people are suffering, it makes sense to give them alcohol to numb their pain.

   However, Christians have a better solution to pain. They should be praying and asking the Holy Spirit to help them deal with their suffering.

Given this last point, Ephesians 5:18 is a key verse for Christians.

Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.

We seem to have a choice between alcohol and the Holy Spirit. For me, this is an easy contest. Alcohol is an artificial solution to pain and suffering. It covers up the symptoms, rather than dealing with the underlying problems. The Holy Spirit is always a far better solution, because he can deal with the problems that are causing the suffering of the sad mood.

The fruit of Spirit includes peace and joy. Follower of Jesus who are feeling down or sad should seek the Holy Spirit. The greater his presence, the greater will be their peace and joy. It is real peace and joy, unlike the artificial high created by alcoholic drinks. I see alcohol as a poor second best for people who the people of the world who are suffering or depressed. Christians have a superior solution. The Holy Spirit is skilled in dealing with our problems.

I prefer to seek the Holy Spirit and be filled with his presence. I am cautious about drinking alcohol in case it influences my thoughts or words, and causes me to say or do something that would grieve the Holy Spirit and cause him to withdraw. Being filled with the Spirit is far more important than anything that alcoholic drinks can give.