Hoist A Pint With Jesus
May 6th, 2009 § Leave a Comment
Leadership Journal.net has an interesting article on the debate in Christian circles over the drinking of alcohol. I came from a denomination that was famous for it’s prohibition on drinking alcohol.
A friend related a story about a seminary classmate of his who applied to the missions board of that denomination. When the staffer looked over the application and saw the answer he gave on the last time he drank an alcoholic beverage, she told him that they would not take him as a missionary. He then pointed out that their policy would even prohibit Jesus from being a missionary. Kind of ironic in an organization who’s stated goal is to teach others about that very same Jesus.
The Bible is clear on it’s prohibition of drunkenness. It’s also clear that we are to be sensitive to those who might be weak in that area. I’m not sure that an extra-biblical prohibition on drinking in moderation is going to do anything to help us relate to a lost and dying world that might occasionally drink. It’s also pretty funny that the denomination with the strict prohibition was surveyed and nearly half admitted to drinking alcohol. This blatant hypocrisy is very off putting to the lost who desperately need Jesus.
You cause the grass to grow for the livestock
and plants for man to cultivate,
that he may bring forth food from the earth
and wine to gladden the heart of man,
oil to make his face shine
and bread to strengthen man’s heart. – Psalm 104:14-15 ESV
The Psalmist says it’s God who gives us wine to gladden our hearts. I think I’ll crack open a cold one and thank Him for it.
