One of our leaders in church asked me a question the other day on the subject of drinking.
It’s a consistent topic that is often ask. This one was particularly on drinking and being in ministry.
(I wrote a similar article in another post here)
I couldn’t give him a specific ‘rule’ because that’s not how life works. Life is not about formulas and steps; nor a bunch of rules and regulations. God has given us His Word to bring guidance. Therefore, these principles will be at work whether you are in Europe or Asia, 70’s generation or millenial kids, below 18 or over 18 years old.
Here are 3 questions that might help you form guiding principles with regards to this topic. In fact, these can be questions that can be asked not just in the area of drinking but in any area we are faced with in our daily lives.
1. Does it glorify God?
1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
While drinking is not necessarily wrong, drunkenness clearly is. Check out Galatians 5:21 and 1 Peter 4:3.
Asking this question will bring us back into focus as to WHO we want to please – us or Him? If I do this thing (not just drinking), will I glorify God?
2. Will it cause anyone to stumble?
Paul continues his point in 1 Corinthians 10:32, “Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God…”
Causing someone to stumble would mean causing one to not follow Jesus because of the example we show.
We, by the way, are called to be His ambassadors. We are no longer of the world (Peter calls us aliens in this world… haha) but we are definitely still in the world.
3. Is it a good example to follow?
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Cor. 11:1)
When I do what I do and someone watches my life, is it a good example to follow? Will they be encouraged to follow Christ as well?
With this being said, I want to book end this post by saying, we definitely cannot do this on our own.
We rely on the grace of God to glorify Him, to not cause anyone to stumble and to be a good example for others to imitate. As Zechariah 4:6 clearly says, “not by might, nor by power but by My Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.”
And truly, His grace is sufficient.
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