September 28: Drink A Beer Day

 

September 28:  Drink Beer Day

One of the oldest man-made beverages in history, beer has been produced since the Neolithic Era with some breweries dating back as far as 1040. It is little wonder why drinking beer has come to be such a popular activity.  How should believers respond? 

There is no question that alcohol, along with other drugs, is a scourge.  It has accounted for more grief, more pain, and more crime than any other contributing factor.  Obviously, we as Christians should never drink, and we should encourage everyone else to do that same.  Really? 

This is one of those topics that generates heated debate in the Christian community.  Let’s take a deep breath and reflect for a moment.

First, there is no command in scripture that demands that we not drink.  None.  Drunkenness is roundly condemned, as it should be. But those who argue that neither Jesus nor any of His followers ever drank are simply barking up the wrong vine.  They clearly did, and it included alcohol.  Wine is recommended for medicinal purposes (1 Timothy 5:23), and even the OT applauds the mellowing effects of alcohol. (Psalm 104:15).  So what are responsible believers to do?

Second, we should never let ourselves be controlled by anything other than the Spirit of God. (Ephesians 5:18) Any chemical that alters our mood or thinking is potentially dangerous.  Third, we should consider our surroundings.  This involves the principle of the weaker brother.  As a pastor, I never drink in public. Not because I believe it would be a sin to do so, but because I do not want a fellow believer who thinks it is a sin to see me and then violate their own conscience by following my example. 

Fourth, we must consider our witness to the world around us.  I mentioned that I do not drink in public.  The fact is that I do not drink at all.  As a recovering addict, I believe that alcohol is a drug, and recovery demands that I abstain from all drugs.  Beyond that, we need to consider whether our commitment to never drink may come across as accusatory or condemning.  We must be winsome, and if that means having a glass of wine with friends or sharing a toast at a wedding, we should feel free to do so unless it violates our personal convictions. 

Finally, we must commit to doing everything to the glory to God.  At times that may mean having a drink!  Other times, abstaining may be appropriate.  Whatever we decide, this is an issue between you and God.  It should also be a decision that accounts for how it might affect others, but it should never be a decision made by others for us.  Should you celebrate today with a beer?  Pray for wisdom, consider any potential dependency, and see yourself in relationship to others.  How will those things influence whether you say “cheers!” or say nothing and have a soft drink?