Daniel Seabaugh

Christianity is both simple and complex. It’s a paradoxical faith. The moral standards placed on Christians are not always black and white. Nor are they always gray.

We can’t summarize our faith as a list of dos and don’ts. There’s lots of grace and freedom from rules. Yet we can’t claim Christianity is void of rules, either. We see them in Scripture. God wants his people to live a certain way; namely, holy lives that bring him glory. There are commands to obey, and grace to receive. Not always black. Not always white. Sometimes gray. Sometimes not.

One question I’ve wrestled with over the years, and one I regularly hear from friends, is related to Christians and alcohol. Can Christians drink alcohol? If they can, should they?

I prefer to ask the question using the word should, not can.

Scripture doesn’t forbid having a glass of wine. In fact, the first miracle performed by Jesus was turning water into wine. It’s worth mentioning that when he did so, people had likely been drinking for days.

Furthermore, Jesus was accused of being a drunkard by the religious people of his time, not only because he hung out with drinkers, but presumably because he had a drink on occasion. Even if you argue, as some do, that Jesus didn’t drink wine at the Passover meal, he makes it perfectly clear that he will when his bride arrives in his Father’s kingdom (Matthew 26:27-29).

There is nothing inherently wrong with alcohol. Morally speaking, alcohol is neutral. But like money, a morally neutral commodity that can lead to greed if used improperly, alcohol, a morally neutral substance, can lead to addiction and drunkenness if over-consumed.

Therefore, a better question is, should Christians drink alcohol?

The answer: It depends.

3 Things to Consider

At minimum, we should ask three questions when considering our involvement with alcohol.

1. Will drinking alcohol produce joy and gratitude in our hearts over the long haul?

God is not a killjoy. He’s not sitting on his throne waiting to condemn our pursuit of happiness. He wants his people to experience joy in abundance. When we experience delight, we’re literally tapping into God’s heart. Joy, after all, is evidence of the Spirit’s work in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).

When we talk about joy and gratitude, it’s best to consider them through a long view perspective. Sure, alcohol can make us feel lighter, happier, and maybe at ease in social environments, but will the consumption of it sustain our joy over the long haul? Will it, like a drop of water in a bucket, add joy to our lives in Christ?

For some of us, there’s a right and proper place to consume alcohol, such as wedding celebrations. There is also an entirely wrong way to consume; namely, in abundance, on a regular basis, and for our own pleasure apart from Christ and his bride.

2. Will drinking alcohol cause our brothers and sisters to stumble?

Scripture is replete with commands about loving one another. How we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ is a big deal. If we’re doing something that causes them to stumble, we’re not loving them well.

In Romans 14, Paul discusses the relationship between Christians who are weak in faith and those who are strong. He says,

“Let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”

—Romans 14:13 (NIV)

We’re all weak in some areas and strong in others. As Paul states, we must “make up our mind” not to harm a brother or sister. For instance, it’s unloving to drink in the presence of a person struggling with, or recovering from, alcoholism. Even if our conscience allows us to drink, as Paul suggests, doing so in front of those weak in this area means we’re not acting in love (Romans 14:5; 15).

In most public gatherings, it’s impossible to know the history or story of every person present. In such situations, it’s wise to abstain from drinking. Again, there are no black and white rules in this area, except to love. Each of us must determine what that looks like in our context or ministry setting.

3. Will others praise God because of our consumption of alcohol?

This question is pulled from two Scriptures. First, all things should be done for the glory of God. Scripture says, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 CSB). Second, Jesus taught that our actions should be salt and light. Our light should shine before others that they may see our good deeds and glorify God (Matthew 5:13-16). Once we tie these teachings together, it’s proper to ask if drinking alcohol produces such results. In other words, are we glorifying God, and are others drawn to do the same because of our drinking?

If we look too much like the world, we become worthless, powerless. In some settings, drinking makes us like the culture around us; however, in other environments, drinking might build relationships and tear down walls so God can be discussed and praised. This all requires wisdom. And it looks different for each of us.

Should Christians drink alcohol? It depends. Be mindful of God’s Word and Spirit. What is a yes for you could be a no for me. And that’s proper and good if done for God’s glory.