When thinking through questions of Christian liberty, such as alcohol, one must take not just himself into consideration, but also community, and ministry.
Is it easier to minister to drinking friends as a nondrinker, or to minister to alcoholics as an alcohol consuming Christian? Recovering alcoholics believe drinking is a destructive activity. Social drinkers believe alcohol in moderation is a healthy activity. Either way, as teetotaler or moderate drinker, you are positing that the other side is wrong. Which cultural difference is easier to overcome?
I know you posted this awhile ago, but I remembered it and this very topic has been on my mind lately. I am in the moderate camp. A sermon series our pastor did really helped me to see the biblical use and enjoyment of wine, how it is good if it isn't idolized. I think it is so important to be aware of the people around you.
ReplyDeleteI do think it is a sign of humility toward unbelievers to be able to sit down with them and have a drink. I think it can be a great witness when one does it for His glory and in moderation-enjoying it as a gift from Him, but not the treasure of our life (just one thing that points to our treasure). And I don't think it is only a witness to them, but to us of His overflowing love and a reminder of His Spirit that fills us better than any wine. And a reminder of His provision-scripture says He has given wine to make glad the heart of man. It isn't the true source of our delight, but an enjoyable delight of life that points us to sweeter and greater heavenly delights. I do think we should be sensitive to sensitive consciences and careful with those brought into temptation by alcohol.
But whether we eat or drink, soli deo gloria.