Generally speaking, the Scriptures do not prohibit alcohol drinking. Jesus was criticised for drinking with sinners and also turned water into wine at a wedding (Luke 7:34; John 2:1-10). Paul forbade getting drunk rather than drinking itself (Eph 5:18; 1 Tim 2:8; Tit 2:3) and even once mentioned alcohol’s medicinal benefit (1 Tim 5:23). There are individuals like John the Baptist who were directly instructed by God not to drink alcohol as part of their special calling (Luke 1:15). Paul also encouraged believers who were not prone to drunkenness to be prepared to give up drinking alcohol if it would cause their brother or sister to fall (Rom 14:21). What we need to realise too is that all this was written in a world where alcohol was a huge issue, with the god of wine Dionysus (also Bacchus) very popular. Getting wasted was not uncommon.

Aside from those with a special calling like John, Christians today are faced with an interesting choice. Do we choose not to drink at all or drink in moderation?

I’ve had an interesting personal journey in this regard. When I came to Christ, due to my boozing background, for several years I abstained completely. One day I went to visit a colleague who had been charged with a sexual offense. He was an unbeliever and had been completely ostracised. His first words were, ‘Mark, great to see you, have a beer’. Despite my abstinence, I felt in the Lord I had to say ‘yes’ or the moment would be lost. I did, and in the next few years was able to share Christ with him. I hope he is now with the Lord. After this, I began to have a drink when among non-believers and found that witnessing opportunities began to open up.

I even had the privilege of leading some to the Lord. When my relative died I reviewed this and felt it was right to remain a moderate drinker. For me it removed a barrier in witness. However in light of the increasing problems in society in this area, I’m beginning to rethink this. In a society which is increasingly alcohol dependent, should I continue in moderation or return to abstinence? Go deeper.