Question:
I work with people who drink. We occassionally have office parties or events where alcohol is served. As a Christian, is it a sin for me to have a drink?
Answer:
Well, first of all let’s answer the age-old obvious question: is it a sin for a Christian to consume alcohol?
While there are plenty of good and practical reasons it is smart, and safer, NOT to drink at all, it cannot be stated that the Bible says it is categorically a sin to drink alcohol. In fact, the Bible lists wine as one of God’s blessings to man:
Psalm 104:13-15 He waters the hills from His upper chambers; The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works. He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, And vegetation for the service of man, That he may bring forth food from the earth, And wine that makes glad the heart of man, Oil to make his face shine, And bread which strengthens man’s heart. (NKJV)
It’s hard to miss the context. Water is good, grass is good, vegetation is good, oil is good, bread is good… wine is a sin. No, wine makes glad the heart of man.
Like countless other things in creation, there is a universally known pleasant effect derived from alcohol. Evidently, when consumed with self control and moderation, God recognizes this and allowed it to be listed in His Word right smack dab in the middle of several other undeniably good things (and notice all those other things are BAD TOO if abused).
Okay, that part will get me thoroughly rebuked, so lest I fail to offend everyone, let me now address the other side. (jump on our message boards and fire away!)
Is drinking a sin? No. Is getting drunk a sin? Always. (Eph 5.8)
What’s my advice to you about drinking at “events”? I would advise you to choose NOT to. It could range from being a “less than the best” decision all the way to being a totally stupid and destructive mistake.
First, it is a matter of asking “how can I most glorify God?” and in today’s world of partying, drinking and revelry the person who ABSTAINS WITHOUT PRONOUNCING “HELL BOUND” ON THOSE WHO DO NOT is a person who will stand out.
Why would you want to stand out? Perhaps God has prepared a heart who will see your example and it will become an open door for you to talk about God with them.
Choosing not to drink is also the safest choice. If you don’t drink, then you will never have the chance of getting drunk. If you don’t drink, you’ll never suffer from impaired judgment or decreased inhibitions that could lead to bad decisions or acts.
Choosing not to drink will never cause a weaker Christian to stumble (1Cor 8.9). The mature Christian will look to be an example and leader for other Christians who may not have the same strength or maturity.
In summary, it would not a be sin for you to have a drink at the office party (assuming it does not violate your conscience) but my advice to you is to choose NOT to for all the reasons I’ve stated.
My advice is that if you want to enjoy a glass of wine, do it in the privacy of your own home in extreme moderation.
Visit the message board and tell me how you would advise someone about drinking.