50 Reasons why I don't drink...

[16KJV11]

Not for women preachers of any ilk, but she's got it spot on.

I am a Christian and I don't drink. I am also a pastor and ex-alcoholic. I need to make that disclaimer right up front.  Although it makes me biased, it also makes me an expert on this hotly debated issue.

Some of the worst "shudder moments" of my life have been under the influence, and as a pastor, some of the worst "shudder moments" I have witnessed in the lives of others have been because of alcohol. You have come too late to tell me it's God's best for a Christian to drink.

We are living in a church age where drinking has become "hipster" for some.  Christian young adults post pictures of their signature drink on Facebook. Middle-aged Christian women name drop their favorite brand of Pinot Grigio to impress their wine snob friends. Churches send direct-mail postcards that read, "Give our church a shot!" featuring an edgy shot glass graphic. Even some pastors drink. Not this one.

I stopped drinking when I became a Christian 26 years ago. No one told me to abstain. I just knew it would be contradictory and self-defeating to my relationship with Christ. I had given my life to follow Jesus and nothing was going to hinder my walk. For me, it was a no-brainer.

This article is not a theological defense on the topic of Christians and alcohol (another article for another time), but it is a heartfelt plea. I humbly ask you to table any knee jerk, pro-alcohol, fight-for-my-right-to-drink arguments that you have ever heard, or made, and prayerfully consider this list.

50 reasons why I don't drink:

1. I can't be sober-minded if I'm not sober.

2. Alcohol has an assignment: destruction.

3. Alcohol is a depressant. Anything that depresses should be avoided at all costs.

4. I don't want to make my brother or sister stumble in the name of exercising my "Christian liberties." My choice to drink could lead to someone's demise.

5. Alcohol skews my judgment.

6. Alcohol leaves me worse, not better.

7. What I do in moderation, my children will do in excess.

8. Even the unsaved know I shouldn't drink. Bible in one hand, beer in the other ? any lost person could point this out as a confusing contradiction.

9. Alcohol doesn't bring others closer to the Lord when they see me drinking, but farther away.

10. Alcohol doesn't bring me closer to the Lord when I drink, but farther away.

11. I want to be fully awake and ready for the return of Christ, not drowsy, sluggish and fuzzy.

12. Show me a family where alcohol has made a positive difference in their lives. You won't be able to.

13. I have never heard anyone say, "Wow, that gin and tonic made me feel so Christ-like!"

14. I want to avoid all appearances of evil.

15. Alcohol makes it much harder for me to practice the fruit of self-control.

16. Alcohol causes me to lose my filter.

17. Alcohol is a mind-altering, legal drug.

18. Alcohol is addictive.

19. Alcohol is a numbing agent for pain and sorrow that only Jesus can heal.

20. Many regrets are associated with alcohol. (I can give you a whole bunch!)

21. No one has ever said, "If only I had taken a drink, things wouldn't have gotten out of control."

22. Alcohol causes me to act in ways I normally wouldn't.

23. Alcohol kills brain cells.

24. Alcohol is a counterfeit, and provides a false peace.

25. The Bible says that no drunkards will enter the kingdom of God. Being drunk starts with one drink. I don't want to see how far outside the lines I can color when eternity is at stake.

26. Alcohol is a waster ? money, gifts and talents, destinies, etc.

27. Alcohol leads to really bad behavior. It is a factor in 50% of violent crimes.

28. Alcohol distracts and derails you from living the the victorious life for which Christ died.

29. Wisdom is the principle thing that I need to pursue at all cost; alcohol makes me stupid.

30. Alcohol has ruined many, many marriages.

31. The only influence I should be "under" is God's.

32. The Bible tells me to be alert; alcohol delays my reaction time.

33. If I don't start drinking, I'll never have to stop.

34. Alcohol severely tarnishes my testimony.

35. Don't want your teenagers to drink? Yep, same reasons apply to you.

36. God is holy; alcohol is not.

37. Alcohol and prayer don't mix.

38. Alcohol and Bible study don't mix.

39. Alcohol lowers my resolve to resist temptation.

40. Alcohol = Brokenness (broken lives, health, dreams, etc.)

41. When the world sees us drinking, it sends the message that Jesus isn't enough.

42. Moderate drinking? How about moderate pornography or moderate heroin use or moderate lying or moderate adultery?

43. Christians are called to live a life of total surrender and separation from the world.

44. Alcohol makes me forget. It can make me forget that I am married, that I am saved, etc.

45. "I don't get drunk. I only have one or two drinks." If they didn't affect you, you would drink soda.

46. I should never look to the glass or bottle for joy which can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

47. Alcohol fills my mind with impure thoughts.

48. If it could hinder my faith walk, love walk or dishonor the lordship of Jesus Christ, I need to forsake it.

49. Alcohol doesn't help me run the race that Jesus has marked before me to finish with more accuracy. It does the polar opposite.

50. For any argument that tries to justify Christian drinking, there are at least 50 other reasons not to. The writing is on wall. It's not God's best for Christians to drink.

Jamie Morgan is pastor of Life Church (Assemblies of God) and the Life House of Prayer (24/7 prayer). She graduated with her Master of Arts in Practical Theology from ORU and is pursuing her D.Min. at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

 

[rsc2a]

Not for women preachers of any ilk, but she's got it spot on.

I am a Christian and I don't drink. I am also a pastor and ex-alcoholic. I need to make that disclaimer right up front.  Although it makes me biased, it also makes me an expert on this hotly debated issue.

Wait? What?

Some of the worst "shudder moments" of my life have been under the influence, and as a pastor, some of the worst "shudder moments" I have witnessed in the lives of others have been because of alcohol. You have come too late to tell me it's God's best for a Christian to drink.

Except for the example of you know...Jesus.

This article is not a theological defense on the topic of Christians and alcohol (another article for another time), but it is a heartfelt plea. I humbly ask you to table any knee jerk, pro-alcohol, fight-for-my-right-to-drink arguments that you have ever heard, or made, and prayerfully consider this list.

Okay...

2. Alcohol has an assignment: destruction.

Except where God explicitly calls it a blessing.

3. Alcohol is a depressant. Anything that depresses should be avoided at all costs.

Might want to consult a medical dictionary.

7. What I do in moderation, my children will do in excess.

Logical fallacy to the nth degree.

8. Even the unsaved know I shouldn't drink. Bible in one hand, beer in the other ? any lost person could point this out as a confusing contradiction.

Except they don't, and if they think so, it's because of ridiculous arguments like this one...oh yeah..and the Bible refers to this kind of teaching as the doctrine of demons, so there you go.

9. Alcohol doesn't bring others closer to the Lord when they see me drinking, but farther away.

Begging the question.

11. I want to be fully awake and ready for the return of Christ, not drowsy, sluggish and fuzzy.

Might want to avoid anesthesia while you are at it. Hopefully, the doctors don't need to cut you open since you've just refused meds.

12. Show me a family where alcohol has made a positive difference in their lives. You won't be able to.

Begging the question again.

13. I have never heard anyone say, "Wow, that gin and tonic made me feel so Christ-like!"

Anecdotal fallacy.

14. I want to avoid all appearances of evil.

Like buffets and driving around with your wife in the car?

17. Alcohol is a mind-altering, legal drug.

18. Alcohol is addictive.

So is caffeine.

19. Alcohol is a numbing agent for pain and sorrow that only Jesus can heal.

See also: food, sex, work, personal relationships....

20. Many regrets are associated with alcohol. (I can give you a whole bunch!)

Many joys are associated with alcohol. (I can give you a whole bunch!)

21. No one has ever said, "If only I had taken a drink, things wouldn't have gotten out of control."

They haven't?

24. Alcohol is a counterfeit, and provides a false peace.

See also: food, sex, work, personal relationships....

25. The Bible says that no drunkards will enter the kingdom of God. Being drunk starts with one drink. I don't want to see how far outside the lines I can color when eternity is at stake.

Or gluttons. Ready to stop eating?

26. Alcohol is a waster ? money, gifts and talents, destinies, etc.

See also...

27. Alcohol leads to really bad behavior. It is a factor in 50% of violent crimes.

Source?

28. Alcohol distracts and derails you from living the the victorious life for which Christ died.

See also...

30. Alcohol has ruined many, many marriages.

So has sex. Are we supposed to avoid it too?

31. The only influence I should be "under" is God's.

32. The Bible tells me to be alert; alcohol delays my reaction time.

Remember that anesthesia?

33. If I don't start drinking, I'll never have to stop.

And the gluttony?

34. Alcohol severely tarnishes my testimony.

Maybe yours...

35. Don't want your teenagers to drink? Yep, same reasons apply to you.

And if I don't care?

36. God is holy; alcohol is not.

Hi gnosticism! <waves>

37. Alcohol and prayer don't mix.

38. Alcohol and Bible study don't mix.

I've studied the Last Supper. Jesus calls you a liar.

40. Alcohol = Brokenness (broken lives, health, dreams, etc.)

That's not how math works.

41. When the world sees us drinking, it sends the message that Jesus isn't enough.

It does?

42. Moderate drinking? How about moderate pornography or moderate heroin use or moderate lying or moderate adultery?

Moderate gluttony? How about....

43. Christians are called to live a life of total surrender and separation from the world.

And?

44. Alcohol makes me forget. It can make me forget that I am married, that I am saved, etc.

If you forget these, I suggest seeing a neurosurgeon.

45. "I don't get drunk. I only have one or two drinks." If they didn't affect you, you would drink soda.

Completely ignoring the huge number of people who actually like the taste.

46. I should never look to the glass or bottle for joy which can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

See also...

47. Alcohol fills my mind with impure thoughts.

Your wicked heart fills your mind with impure thoughts. Jesus explicitly spoke about this. Stop ignoring Him.

50. For any argument that tries to justify Christian drinking, there are at least 50 other reasons not to. The writing is on wall. It's not God's best for Christians to drink.

Except your fifty reasons were total crap. I just addressed the worst of them.

 

[bgwilkinson]

This is a good reason for not allowing women preachers.

 

[The Rogue Tomato]

Wow, I'd have to spend way more time than it's worth listing all the logical fallacies, but here are a few.

Some of the worst "shudder moments" of my life have been under the influence, and as a pastor, some of the worst "shudder moments" I have witnessed in the lives of others have been because of alcohol. You have come too late to tell me it's God's best for a Christian to drink.

30. Alcohol has ruined many, many marriages.

8. Even the unsaved know I shouldn't drink. Bible in one hand, beer in the other ? any lost person could point this out as a confusing contradiction.

13. I have never heard anyone say, "Wow, that gin and tonic made me feel so Christ-like!"

7. What I do in moderation, my children will do in excess.

 

[The Rogue Tomato]

This is a good reason for not allowing women preachers.

Joyce Meyers and Beth Moore are two more. 

 

[The Rogue Tomato]

By the way, this should cover most of the 50 reasons...

 

[prophet]

I started to break down each point, but thought that first:

#25.  Obviously a lost person here, if drunkenness can jeopardize her Eternity.
She had no assurance that she is a child of God, hence her "Eternity depends on it".
We need go no further, we have our winner.

BTW, modern Baptists learned this nonsense from the phony Congregationalists and Presbyterians who didn't believe in Eternal Security, and so desperately sought to expose any little thing that could cause one to " backslide away from God ", and "lose their salvation".

All of her reasoning stems from her fear and insecurity as a lost publican trying desperately to fit in as a Pharisee.

Even if she claims to be a recovering alcoholic (drunk), she still is admitting that she doesn't believe that she has been delivered from sin's bondage.

As a saved person, I tried partying too hard, and it was distasteful.
And no point did I ever think that a saved person could be an addict to anything.
I smoked cigarettes for several years, yet laid em down in one day, just to prove a point.  Never missed em either.
I tried every drug around in the late 80's, and never saw the draw to any of it.
I found that my mind and body fought the whole time, against the invader, and that I wasnt comfortable poisoning myself to that level.

This whole post was absurd.
If any of you thinks that they can't enjoy something the Creator gave us, without becoming a slave, you may also be one who often doubts their standing with God.

The Witchcraft of works sanctification goes hand in hand with the fear-mongering of Arminianism

Earnestly Contend

 

[bgwilkinson]

I started to break down each point, but thought that first:

#25.  Obviously a lost person here, if drunkenness can jeopardize her Eternity.
She had no assurance that she is a child of God, hence her "Eternity depends on it".
We need go no further, we have our winner.

BTW, modern Baptists learned this nonsense from the phony Congregationalists and Presbyterians who didn't believe in Eternal Security, and so desperately sought to expose any little thing that could cause one to " backslide away from God ", and "lose their salvation".

All of her reasoning stems from her fear and insecurity as a lost publican trying desperately to fit in as a Pharisee.

Even if she claims to be a recovering alcoholic (drunk), she still is admitting that she doesn't believe that she has been delivered from sin's bondage.

As a saved person, I tried partying too hard, and it was distasteful.
And no point did I ever think that a saved person could be an addict to anything.
I smoked cigarettes for several years, yet laid em down in one day, just to prove a point.  Never missed em either.
I tried every drug around in the late 80's, and never saw the draw to any of it.
I found that my mind and body fought the whole time, against the invader, and that I wasnt comfortable poisoning myself to that level.

This whole post was absurd.
If any of you thinks that they can't enjoy something the Creator gave us, without becoming a slave, you may also be one who often doubts their standing with God.

The Witchcraft of works sanctification goes hand in hand with the fear-mongering of Arminianism

Earnestly Contend

Nice analysis.

 

[Smellin Coffee]

45. "I don't get drunk. I only have one or two drinks." If they didn't affect you, you would drink soda.

Huh? I've never been drunk in my life. Never even had a buzz but for me to have a hard apple ale once or twice a month for the taste makes this statement way off the mark personally. I don't drink enough for them to affect me.

Some people just look for excuses to stand against something.

Because even I have done that a time or two.

 

[brainisengaged]

Her very first point lost me. Her rather plebeian understanding of the word 'sober' told me to not bother with the rest of the article.

 

[Fresh Air]

I've written over 200 blog posts in the last two years. Twelve of those were a series I did on alcohol. Five of the top ten out of the entire 200 deal with the subject of alcohol. It never ceases to amaze me how much fire such posts draw...

 

[IFB X-Files]

It never ceases to amaze me how much fire such posts draw...

You must be doing something right.

 

[The Rogue Tomato]

45. "I don't get drunk. I only have one or two drinks." If they didn't affect you, you would drink soda.

Huh? I've never been drunk in my life. Never even had a buzz but for me to have a hard apple ale once or twice a month for the taste makes this statement way off the mark personally. I don't drink enough for them to affect me.

Some people just look for excuses to stand against something.

Because even I have done that a time or two.

45 also equates "affect you" with "get drunk".  Just because you feel an effect form alcohol doesn't mean you're drunk. 

 

[rsc2a]

I started to break down each point, but thought that first:

#25.  Obviously a lost person here, if drunkenness can jeopardize her Eternity.
She had no assurance that she is a child of God, hence her "Eternity depends on it".
We need go no further, we have our winner.

BTW, modern Baptists learned this nonsense from the phony Congregationalists and Presbyterians who didn't believe in Eternal Security, and so desperately sought to expose any little thing that could cause one to " backslide away from God ", and "lose their salvation".

All of her reasoning stems from her fear and insecurity as a lost publican trying desperately to fit in as a Pharisee.

Even if she claims to be a recovering alcoholic (drunk), she still is admitting that she doesn't believe that she has been delivered from sin's bondage.

As a saved person, I tried partying too hard, and it was distasteful.
And no point did I ever think that a saved person could be an addict to anything.
I smoked cigarettes for several years, yet laid em down in one day, just to prove a point.  Never missed em either.
I tried every drug around in the late 80's, and never saw the draw to any of it.
I found that my mind and body fought the whole time, against the invader, and that I wasnt comfortable poisoning myself to that level.

This whole post was absurd.
If any of you thinks that they can't enjoy something the Creator gave us, without becoming a slave, you may also be one who often doubts their standing with God.

The Witchcraft of works sanctification goes hand in hand with the fear-mongering of Arminianism

Earnestly Contend

Nice analysis.

Is nice a polite way of saying crazy?

 

[rsc2a]

I've written over 200 blog posts in the last two years. Twelve of those were a series I did on alcohol. Five of the top ten out of the entire 200 deal with the subject of alcohol. It never ceases to amaze me how much fire such posts draw...

Did those posts advocate for total abstinence? Because Paul calls that the doctrine of demons.

I'd hope people advocating for such doctrine to receive much fire from believers.

 

[Smellin Coffee]

45. "I don't get drunk. I only have one or two drinks." If they didn't affect you, you would drink soda.

Huh? I've never been drunk in my life. Never even had a buzz but for me to have a hard apple ale once or twice a month for the taste makes this statement way off the mark personally. I don't drink enough for them to affect me.

Some people just look for excuses to stand against something.

Because even I have done that a time or two.

45 also equates "affect you" with "get drunk".  Just because you feel an effect form alcohol doesn't mean you're drunk.

So I guess having thirst quenched would technically mean it 'affects me'.

 

[Smellin Coffee]

OK. Now I have time to address the list.

1. I can't be sober-minded if I'm not sober.

I agree.

2. Alcohol has an assignment: destruction.

So the end justifies the means. So I should not purchase a car because in the end it could kill me and it will end up in the junkyard as an end result?

3. Alcohol is a depressant. Anything that depresses should be avoided at all costs.

I agree it isn't wise to use alcohol as a depressant. If there is mental illness involved (such as ADHD), there are meds for that and should be under physician care.

4. I don't want to make my brother or sister stumble in the name of exercising my "Christian liberties." My choice to drink could lead to someone's demise.

This is because we are teaching our brother or sister to be judgmental. Why don't we teach them to look at other Christians with the realization of personal motes?

5. Alcohol skews my judgment.

Never has for me.

6. Alcohol leaves me worse, not better.

Never has for me.

7. What I do in moderation, my children will do in excess.

So reading my Bible in moderation will cause my children to read more?

8. Even the unsaved know I shouldn't drink. Bible in one hand, beer in the other ? any lost person could point this out as a confusing contradiction.

Most unsaved people I know that have discussed alcohol believe Jesus turned water into alcoholic wine.

9. Alcohol doesn't bring others closer to the Lord when they see me drinking, but farther away.

It does not drive them any further away than when I drink a glass of water.

10. Alcohol doesn't bring me closer to the Lord when I drink, but farther away.

I can't say the same for myself. It does nothing either way.

11. I want to be fully awake and ready for the return of Christ, not drowsy, sluggish and fuzzy.

There is no imminent rapture so point is moot anyway.

12. Show me a family where alcohol has made a positive difference in their lives. You won't be able to.

Better get out more.

13. I have never heard anyone say, "Wow, that gin and tonic made me feel so Christ-like!"

Same could be said for eating watermelon.

14. I want to avoid all appearances of evil.

The way you do that is when evil appears, avoid doing it!

15. Alcohol makes it much harder for me to practice the fruit of self-control.

Never been an issue for me.

16. Alcohol causes me to lose my filter.

Never been an issue for me.

17. Alcohol is a mind-altering, legal drug.

Excess in alcohol is. Alcohol in moderation is not. Better abstain from sugars as well.

18. Alcohol is addictive.

So is food.

19. Alcohol is a numbing agent for pain and sorrow that only Jesus can heal.

So is food.

20. Many regrets are associated with alcohol. (I can give you a whole bunch!)

I've never had a regret other than a dislike a taste of something I didn't like. I hated the cinnamon aftertaste in my last Fireball.

21. No one has ever said, "If only I had taken a drink, things wouldn't have gotten out of control."

Weird logic.

22. Alcohol causes me to act in ways I normally wouldn't.

Never been an issue with me.

23. Alcohol kills brain cells.

Myth going back to Prohibition. http://www.medicaldaily.com/does-drinking-alcohol-actually-kill-brain-cells-300798

24. Alcohol is a counterfeit, and provides a false peace.

I've never had a drink because I was looking for peace anyway.

25. The Bible says that no drunkards will enter the kingdom of God. Being drunk starts with one drink. I don't want to see how far outside the lines I can color when eternity is at stake.

Another weird application...

26. Alcohol is a waster ? money, gifts and talents, destinies, etc.

When abused, yes. It is expensive which is another reason I don't try 'other' alcoholic items. I am too cheap to spend $ on something I might not like the taste of.

27. Alcohol leads to really bad behavior. It is a factor in 50% of violent crimes.

And guns don't?

28. Alcohol distracts and derails you from living the the victorious life for which Christ died.

It hasn't before. Why would it now?

29. Wisdom is the principle thing that I need to pursue at all cost; alcohol makes me stupid.

Listening to any major TV news group religiously makes one 'stupid' as well.

30. Alcohol has ruined many, many marriages.

No, over-consumption had done just that. In essence, motorcycles have ruined many, many marriages.

31. The only influence I should be "under" is God's.

Better stay away from breathing and eating!

32. The Bible tells me to be alert; alcohol delays my reaction time.

Again, another thing that has never been an issue with me.

33. If I don't start drinking, I'll never have to stop.

For one who knows that alcohol is going to be a problem, this is actually good advice, but it isn't universal advice.

34. Alcohol severely tarnishes my testimony.

Only if the world thought in the terms of teetotalling.

35. Don't want your teenagers to drink? Yep, same reasons apply to you.

But it IS legal for me to drink!

36. God is holy; alcohol is not.

Disneyland isn't holy either. Nor is the church building I attend.

37. Alcohol and prayer don't mix.

Huh? Ever done it?

38. Alcohol and Bible study don't mix.

I guess riding roller coasters is out also.

39. Alcohol lowers my resolve to resist temptation.

Again, not a problem I have.

40. Alcohol = Brokenness (broken lives, health, dreams, etc.)

In some cases, yes. All cases, no.

41. When the world sees us drinking, it sends the message that Jesus isn't enough.

Do they think that when they see us get a flu shot?

42. Moderate drinking? How about moderate pornography or moderate heroin use or moderate lying or moderate adultery?

Not all have the same affect universally.

43. Christians are called to live a life of total surrender and separation from the world.

Good. Eat only locusts and honey. I heard of a pretty good Christian who was known for that particular diet.

44. Alcohol makes me forget. It can make me forget that I am married, that I am saved, etc.

Huh? Never experienced that.

45. "I don't get drunk. I only have one or two drinks." If they didn't affect you, you would drink soda.

It quenches thirst. How is that affecting in a negative way?

46. I should never look to the glass or bottle for joy which can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

No. Jesus can be a source of joy but there are others as well. Ever proud of your child while she did a piano recital or he scored a straight-A report card?

47. Alcohol fills my mind with impure thoughts.

But I thought it killed brain cells...

48. If it could hinder my faith walk, love walk or dishonor the lordship of Jesus Christ, I need to forsake it.

I do agree with this and it goes regardless of what the object is. But it should not be a universal mandate for spirituality.

49. Alcohol doesn't help me run the race that Jesus has marked before me to finish with more accuracy. It does the polar opposite.

Again, not sure how this is universally applied.

50. For any argument that tries to justify Christian drinking, there are at least 50 other reasons not to. The writing is on wall. It's not God's best for Christians to drink.

These points are subjective. Why are you applying them to all Christians when you are the one who has these issues?

 

[Fresh Air]

Did those posts advocate for total abstinence? Because Paul calls that the doctrine of demons.

They're sitting there if you want to know. I don't plan on retyping them in here. 

 

[The Rogue Tomato]

45. "I don't get drunk. I only have one or two drinks." If they didn't affect you, you would drink soda.

Huh? I've never been drunk in my life. Never even had a buzz but for me to have a hard apple ale once or twice a month for the taste makes this statement way off the mark personally. I don't drink enough for them to affect me.

Some people just look for excuses to stand against something.

Because even I have done that a time or two.

45 also equates "affect you" with "get drunk".  Just because you feel an effect form alcohol doesn't mean you're drunk.

So I guess having thirst quenched would technically mean it 'affects me'.

And, therefore, a drunk.  You antinomian, you.

 

[The Rogue Tomato]

7. What I do in moderation, my children will do in excess.

So reading my Bible in moderation will cause my children to read more?

No, not just more.  In excess!  So stop reading your bible in moderation!