Quick note: this little Christian Confession series we’re doing- it’s only for Christ-followers.  If you read this blog and don’t claim to be a Christian (WELCOME by the way, I love having you!), these DO NOT apply to you whatsoever.  Realize that I’m speaking predominantly to an audience of people seeking to live like Jesus, and that I’m sharing my personal opinion on what that looks like.  I hope you don’t feel judged, berated, or put down in any way.  I hope you feel the love, hope, and redemption that is offered in Jesus.  If you ever want to talk about Him, message me anytime.  Thanks.

So, here’s today’s statement:

Drinking beer or wine is not a sin.

But straight off the top, let me be so very clear- getting drunk is a sin.  Again, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 is SO crystal:

Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.

But it’s not a sin to drink.  Jesus did it quite a bit.  Just not all at the same time!

It’s amazing how many ‘Christians’ heartily defend their right to drink but shy away the second they need to stand up for their faith.  Is their god their belly? I can’t judge, but it seems to me that when you prioritize booze over God, you’ve chosen your God.

It’s amazing how many young people can’t wait to get a fake ID and start drinking- they’re more excited about the weekend bender than about finding and living out God’s calling for their lives.  And that’s just church kids.  That’s wrecked.

I think there are a number of questions that we need to ask to purify our drinking motives.  If we filtered our thinking first, we’d be able to formulate our own theology and understand what God’s will is regarding drinking.

The Consequence Question.
What are the possible outcomes of me getting drunk?

Bars are a more dangerous place on average.  I can think of at least 2 shootings and a stabbing in Hamilton bars since I’ve lived here.  Not to mention the brawls and the fights.

1/4 of Hamilton high school girls will give away their virginity while drunk.  This kills me.  Sex and alcohol can be a dangerous combination.  Not to mention the higher chances of being raped (1 in 8 for Ontario college girls who drink) or molested (1 in 4).

Words.  A lot of people say things drunk that they later regret.  Is it worth the hurt we cause to others?

Car accidents…maybe not you.  But you never know who else might get behind the wheel.  I worked with a guy who got so drunk he didn’t even remember driving.  He just remembers waking up in a jail cell, having run down a pedestrian as he left a bar.  Thankfully, the person lived.  But he was still wracked with guilt…and served a hefty probation.

The Cost Question.
Can you actually afford to drink?  This is a pretty simple question.  Does your budget even have room for booze?!  Alot of people never think of this one- I know a girl who spends over $400 per month on booze.  That doesn’t include cab costs! Part of being a good steward with God’s money is being careful how we spend it.  I think most of us go overboard and should tone it back.  Do the math- imagine how much good we could do if we just cut our drinking bills in half.

The Control Question.
This is the ‘how far is too far’ drinking question.  If I choose to drink, do I still have control?  Control over my thinking?  My words (and the loudness of my voice)? My every action?  My body?  (does the verse “be alert and of sound mind” ring a bell?!)

I work with a great guy who used to be a bouncer and quite a party animal.  He was a self-proclaimed ‘protector of the innocent.’  In his late teens he was at a bush party- he saw a guy coming out of a bush zipping up his pants.  Our hero thought it wise to investigate.  He went into the bush to find a very drunk teen girl giving blowjobs to whoever wanted them- with 12 guys in line.  He picked her up and got a friend to take her to safety while he fought off 12 angry men.  This girl had lost control.

If you pass out from drinking, you’ve lost control of your body.  If you can’t walk a straight line, you’ve lost control.  If you can’t think straight or put together a sentence, you’ve lost control.  Keep control.

The WHY Question.
Why do you drink?

Escapism. I know alot of people who just drink because they’re stressed. Or coping. Or wishing they were different.

To be someone else.  Most people like themselves better when drunk.  That’s sad.  Maybe they have low self esteem and wish they were more outgoing.  Maybe they lack confidence, but feel more courageous when drunk.  This is where you need to seek your true identity- and then become the person Jesus created you to be.

“It’s fun.”  Let’s be honest- every single one of us has a friend who’s Facebook pictures ALL look the same- drink in hand, at some club, picture taken from above!  And the pictures continue year after year after year.  This shows a massive lack of creativity.  To these people, I suggest expanding your horizons.

The Stumble Question.
This one is SO important.  I have friends who struggle with alcoholism.  I refuse to drink around them.  Why?  I don’t want to tempt them.  Same reason my female friends cover their boobs and hike up their pants- they don’t want me to stumble.  We need to realize that people are watching- that we are surrounded by people with habits, hang up, and hook ups…and that some might be prey to the temptation of liquor.  Read Romans 14:13. Don’t make them stumble.

Here’s something to think about:
I love beer- specifically, Miller High Life and Genuine Draft.  I’m also a massive fan of Strongbow.

I enjoy wine very much- not only do I watch Gary Vaynerchuk every day, but my wife and I have a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling with lunch or dinner almost every single night.

But I would give it ALL up in a second to live in a world without alcohol! I’m not saying bring back prohibition, that’s crazy.  But let’s say that alcohol just disappeared.  The world would be a better place.  I would TOTALLY give up booze in order to save countless women and children from being beaten by their alcoholic husbands and fathers.  To save over 12,000 people from dying in drunk driving accidents each year. To save 275,000 people per year from being injured in the same.  To save the millions of people who get STDs, pregnant, or broken-hearted because of out-of-control sexual choices.  Is booze worth it?  Not if you care about people.

We need to sit down and re-consider alcohol and why we idolize it so much.  We need to ask ourselves the hard questions.  We need to consider the cost and calculate the risk.  We need to understand the spiritual implications.

I LOVE what Andy Stanley says is the “ultimate question” in his groundbreaking book, The Principle of the Path.
In light of my past history, my present circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams- is this the WISE thing to do?

I think if we gain a better perspective of life, we’ll know where do stand on this subject.

So, in conclusion, here’s what I’d like to say:

Drink Up! But before you do…THINK up.

Jay

New post by Michelle today- How to Become a Cynic in a Few Easy Steps

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