Navigating Alcohol and Faith

Last month at a friend's wedding, I was offered champagne for the toast. When I politely declined and asked for sparkling cider instead, the server looked confused. "Are you the designated driver?" she asked. When I explained that I simply don't drink alcohol, her expression shifted to one of curiosity mixed with slight bewilderment.

This interaction reminded me how uncommon total abstinence from alcohol has become, even among Christians. In a culture where social drinking is not just accepted but expected, my choice to completely avoid alcohol often raises questions and sometimes eyebrows.

I want to share why I've made this choice, what the Bible says about alcohol, and how I navigate social situations where drinking is the norm—all while acknowledging that faithful Christians can and do come to different conclusions on this topic.

My Background with Alcohol

Unlike some people who abstain from alcohol due to family history with addiction, my decision wasn't born from trauma or negative experiences. My parents drink occasionally and responsibly. Jake enjoys a beer with friends sometimes, though he's supportive of my choice not to join him. I've never been drunk, never had a drinking problem, and wasn't raised in a teetotaling household.

My decision to avoid alcohol entirely came gradually during my college years as I began to take my faith more seriously. It started with questions about whether drinking aligned with my desire to honor God in all areas of my life, and it evolved into a firm personal conviction.

What the Bible Actually Says About Alcohol

This topic requires careful biblical study because Scripture presents a nuanced view of alcohol that doesn't fit neatly into either "always forbidden" or "always acceptable" categories.

Passages That Speak Positively About Wine

Psalm 104:14-15: "He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts."

Ecclesiastes 9:7: "Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do."

1 Timothy 5:23: "Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses."

These passages acknowledge wine as one of God's gifts that can bring joy and even have medicinal benefits.

Passages That Warn Against Alcohol

Proverbs 20:1: "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise."

Proverbs 23:29-35: This entire passage vividly describes the dangers of excessive drinking, ending with: "When will I wake up so I can find another drink?"

Ephesians 5:18: "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."

1 Corinthians 6:12: "I have the right to do anything, you say—but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything—but I will not be mastered by anything."

The Biblical Balance

From these passages, it's clear that:

1. Alcohol itself is not inherently sinful
2. Drunkenness is consistently condemned
3. Wisdom and self-control are essential when it comes to drinking
4. We must consider how our choices affect others

The Bible seems to allow for moderate consumption while strongly warning against excess and addiction.

Why I Choose Abstinence

Given that Scripture doesn't forbid alcohol outright, why do I choose not to drink at all? My reasons are both biblical and practical:

1. The Principle of Liberty vs. Expedience

1 Corinthians 10:23-24: "I have the right to do anything, you say—but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others."

While I may have the liberty to drink, I've found that abstaining is more beneficial for my spiritual life and witness.

2. Avoiding Stumbling Blocks

Romans 14:21: "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall."

I've known people who struggle with alcohol addiction. By not drinking, I never have to worry about being a stumbling block to someone in recovery or someone prone to excess.

3. Clear Thinking and Self-Control

1 Peter 5:8: "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

I want to maintain complete clarity of mind at all times. Even one drink can slightly impair judgment, and I prefer to avoid that entirely.

4. Stewardship of My Body

1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

Alcohol, even in moderation, affects the body. I choose to avoid this entirely as part of my commitment to physical health.

5. Avoiding the Slippery Slope

Proverbs 27:14: "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls."

I've seen too many people who intended to drink moderately gradually increase their consumption. By abstaining completely, I eliminate this risk entirely.

Practical Reasons for My Choice

Beyond biblical considerations, I've found practical benefits to not drinking:

Better sleep: I sleep more soundly without any alcohol in my system.

Consistent energy: I never experience hangovers or sluggishness from drinking.

Financial savings: Not buying alcohol, whether at home or when dining out, saves a significant amount of money.

Clear conscience: I never have to worry about whether I've had too much or whether my judgment is impaired.

Setting an example: As someone who hopes to have children someday, I want to model complete sobriety.

Authentic relationships: I've found that some of my deepest friendships have been built without alcohol as a social lubricant.

Navigating Social Situations

Choosing not to drink in a culture where alcohol is central to many social activities can be challenging. Here's how I handle various situations:

At Parties and Gatherings

I always bring a special non-alcoholic drink to share. This way, I have something interesting to drink, and I often find that others appreciate having a sophisticated non-alcoholic option too. Sparkling cider, flavored waters, or mocktails work well.

At Restaurants

I've learned to confidently order what I want without making a big announcement. "I'll have a sparkling water with lime" is simple and doesn't draw attention to my choice not to drink alcohol.

At Weddings and Celebrations

I participate fully in toasts with whatever non-alcoholic beverage I have. The gesture matters more than the specific drink.

When Questioned

I've developed a simple response: "I just don't drink, but thanks for asking." Most people accept this without further questions. If pressed, I might mention that it's a personal choice based on my faith, but I try not to make others feel judged for their different choice.

Respecting Others' Choices

I want to be clear that I don't judge other Christians who choose to drink alcohol responsibly. Some of the godliest people I know enjoy wine with dinner or beer with friends, and they do so in a way that honors God.

My husband Jake is one of these people. He might have a beer while watching a game with friends or a glass of wine at a nice dinner. He doesn't pressure me to drink, and I don't pressure him to abstain. We've found a balance that works for our marriage.

I also don't assume that someone who drinks alcohol is less committed to their faith or less mature as a Christian. These are matters of personal conviction where Spirit-led believers can come to different conclusions.

Teaching Moments

My choice not to drink has occasionally created opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith. When people notice that I consistently decline alcohol, some have asked about my reasons. This has led to discussions about how faith influences daily decisions and what it means to seek God's will in all areas of life.

I try to share my convictions without being preachy or judgmental. I focus on my own reasons and experiences rather than making broad statements about what all Christians should do.

Addressing Common Objections

"Jesus drank wine, so it must be okay"

You're absolutely right that Jesus drank wine. The wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2) was real wine, not grape juice. However, Jesus also fasted for 40 days, which doesn't mean fasting is required for all Christians. Jesus's actions don't automatically become mandates for all believers in all circumstances.

"You're being legalistic"

Legalism is following rules to earn God's favor or appear righteous. My choice not to drink comes from a desire to honor God and maintain clear judgment, not from a belief that abstinence makes me more righteous than others.

"You're missing out on the joy of wine"

I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. I find plenty of joy in other areas of life, and I've never felt that alcohol was necessary for celebration or relaxation.

"What about communion wine?"

Our church uses grape juice for communion, which works perfectly for me. Churches that use wine typically offer grape juice as an alternative for those who don't drink alcohol.

The Freedom in Boundaries

One of the surprising benefits of my decision not to drink has been the freedom it provides. I never have to worry about:

• How much is too much
• Whether I'm safe to drive
• How alcohol might interact with medications
• Setting a bad example
• Developing a dependence

There's something liberating about having clear, firm boundaries that align with my values and convictions.

Looking Forward

As Jake and I think about having children in the future, I'm grateful that this decision is already settled. I want our home to be a place where joy and celebration don't depend on alcohol, where we model self-control and intentional living.

This doesn't mean we'll create an unrealistic bubble for our children—they'll encounter alcohol in the world and will need to make their own informed decisions as adults. But I hope to give them a foundation of seeing that life can be full and joyful without alcohol.

Final Thoughts

I want to emphasize again that I'm not advocating for all Christians to abstain from alcohol. This is a matter of personal conviction where mature believers can disagree while maintaining unity in Christ.

What I am advocating for is thoughtful, prayerful consideration of how our choices align with our faith and values. Whether you choose to drink moderately or abstain completely, the decision should be made with wisdom, consideration for others, and a desire to honor God.

For me, choosing not to drink has been part of a larger journey toward intentional living—making choices based on biblical principles rather than cultural expectations or personal desires. It's been a decision I've never regretted, and one that has brought clarity, peace, and freedom to my life.

If you're wrestling with your own convictions about alcohol, I encourage you to study Scripture, pray for wisdom, and seek counsel from mature believers you trust. Most importantly, make sure your decision—whatever it is—comes from a desire to honor God and love others well.

In a world where alcohol is often seen as necessary for fun, relaxation, or social connection, choosing a different path can be countercultural. But sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is choose the narrow path, even when it makes us stand out from the crowd.