I am writing this post at the great risk of losing half of my subscribers. Because you can mess with people’s money, and you might even be able to talk about their Mamas, but if you make a play for their evening glass of Chardonnay, all bets are off.
Realizing the mere mention of this off-limits subject already transforms me into a pompous and legalistic prude, I’m going to tread lightly.
In the true spirit of cowardice I will tip-toe around the discussion of Biblical reasons why I believe Christians should consider abstaining from alcohol. No. Despite ample supplies of Old and New Testament scriptures in support of this position, the conversation would invariably degrade into the old standby:
“Well. Jesus drank wine. So why can’t I?”
Avoiding a deeper exegesis of the various Hebrew and Greek words for wine and how some of us would argue it was more of a lightly fermented grape juice back then, I think we would all agree that Jesus did not partake in margarita fiestas, Oktoberfests, martini socials, highballs, lowballs, hard lemonade, aged bourbon, double malt scotch, and beer bongs.
Still. I can sense you glaring into the monitor, saying, “You’re not touching my Budweiser, Bud.”
So instead of driving into that concrete wall, I thought I would take an entirely different approach and merely share with you the glass half full. Yes. Here, revealed for the first time are some of the secret virtues and lost arts of teetotaling.
The Rear View Mirror
It’s usually not a good thing when a Bible Believing Christian worries about seeing flashing lights in the rear view mirror. When you abstain from alcohol you never worry about whether you’ve had a few too many. You can relax on the ride home from every social event, game at the stadium or outing with friends or family.
After all, it’s a tad embarrassing to be standing next to your mini-van with the I Love Jesus bumper-sticker while exhaling into a Breathalyzer for the nice Highway Patrolman. This doesn’t even take into consideration the tremendous relief you’ll have by never putting your friends, family and children at risk as you drive under the influence. The downside is you’ll be an automatic selection for designated driver, but at least some of the Faithful would describe that as serving your neighbor.
One Less Sin To Worry About
Although the whole drinking issue is up for debate, almost all Christians would agree the Bible clearly teaches that being drunk is a sin. But the tough question to determine is: What is the Biblical definition of drunkenness? How many beers or martinis does it take? Keeping in mind the alcohol content in our drinks today are much higher than those in Old Testament times, the bar is pretty low. If you abstain from drinking alcohol, you can cross drunkenness completely off your sin checklist.
And, of course, drinking lowers your inhibitions and provides the gateway to a host of other indiscretions, including: adultery, pornography, gossip and slander to name a few.
Removing Stumbling Blocks
Most Believers would agree that drinking in front of an alcoholic is not only insensitive and in poor taste, but would qualify for the Biblical definition of “causing a brother or sister to stumble.” The follow-up piece to this is asking yourself, “How exactly do I know who struggles with alcoholism?” Five percent of the population suffers from some form of serious substance abuse addiction. So, statistically you are being a stumbling block to someone at every social event and at each restaurant you visit merely by lifting your glass for a hearty toast. By choosing not to drink alcohol, at least in public settings, you can have absolute confidence you will not be contributing to their temptation and will give them one more person willing to stand in the gap with them.
Ultimate Parenting Tool
Just about all Christians would agree that kids shouldn’t be drinking alcohol. But few are willing to model abstinence to their kids. Worse, we teach our children that alcohol is synonymous with socializing by making it the center of EVERY gathering we have with our adult friends and family. Is it any wonder when our teens start “hanging out” with their friends that liquor is a key part of having fun. Have you considered abstaining from alcohol at least until your kids grow up to a legal drinking age? Alcohol related crashes are the number one killer of teens and it is a primary influencer in acquiring sexual transmitted diseases, suicides, murders and teenage pregnancies.
Health & Weight Loss
It’s been estimated that between 25-40 percent of patients in general hospital beds are being treated for complications of alcohol related problems. Researchers have connected alcohol consumption with 60 diseases including: cardiovascular disease, cirrhosis, cancer, anemia, depression, dementia, seizures, gout, high blood pressure and nerve damage, to name a few. So, it goes without saying that a lifestyle of abstinence will greatly increase your odds of watching your grandchildren play baseball (and you might even be able to throw them a few sliders).
Another excellent side benefit of an alcohol-free living is weight loss. Alcohol costs you 7 calories per gram and offers no nutritional value. It’s also converted faster to body fat than just about anything else and it also lowers your inhibition. After a few glasses of wine it’s always harder to say “No” to that extra helping of double Dutch fudge cake.
Cost Savings
The life of a teetotaler is budget friendly. Most families spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars each year on wine, beer and hard liquor. This is dwarfed by the cost these drinks will add to your restaurant bills. Mid-level diners plan on alcohol purchases boosting their sales by 12-15% with higher end restaurants expecting a 30-35% climb to the ticket. By saying no to cocktails, expensive wine lists and after dinner drinks, you’ll be able to eat out more often and will be much less likely to fall asleep face first into your plate of food.
Seeing The World As It Is
Try performing an experiment to see what the world looks like without your beer goggles. As you go to a few parties, concerts and ballgames without slamming down a few beers, you’ll be amazed to see how much of an idol it has become in our culture and society. An example that comes to mind are the smoking chambers at airports. There, packed into a small glass encasement, are people cheerfully smoking away among clouds of pollution. When you stand back and observe our cultural obsession with alcohol, the absurdity of it all will become clear.
Witnessing Tool
Being a teetotaler in our society is going to draw some serious attention to you without making any effort. Personally, I have not found a more blatant witnessing tool with the exception of perhaps wearing an “Ask Me About Jesus” t-shirt.
You’ll be such an unusual specimen in this day and age–like a Panda in a zoo exhibit. When they offer you a glass of wine, you merely reply, “Thank you, but we don’t drink.” That will get the evangelical fireworks started.
It will be rare you won’t be hit with the follow-up question of, “If you don’t mind me asking, why don’t you drink?” It’s a tremendous softball pitch to begin to share your faith, regardless of the setting. They may be sorry they asked, but at least you’ll get the opportunity to answer the question.
Regaining Your Superpowers
Hopefully after reading this post you’ll resist the strong desire to unsubscribe, unfriend, unfollow and unlike me in every Social Media way. I do realize this is an unpopular and uncomfortable subject but I would encourage you to at least pray about the concept of alcohol as Christian Kryptonite.
It was about seven years ago when God convicted me overnight on this subject, and my wife and I have not had a drop of alcohol since. It’s been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made in terms of blessing our ministries, health and raising our family.
So…what are your thoughts and experiences on the subject?
Looking for more Michael? You might also enjoy The Terrible Truth About Christians
Michael K. Reynolds is a writer with more than two decades of experience in crafting fiction, non-fiction, journalism, copywriting and documentary production. He is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant of Books & Such Literary Agency.
He is the author of a series of Irish historical novels published by B&H Publishing Group. These highly acclaimed books are available in bookstores and libraries across the nation and beyond.
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