Articles
Does Drinking Alcohol Make Us More Relatable to the World?
In discussing the topic of social drinking with other bible students, I have oft heard the argument used that sharing an alcoholic drink with a nonChristian could perhaps build a bridge to teach them the gospel. Therefore, some advocate engaging in social drinking merely because they believe it will draw more people from the world into the church. Is it true that social drinking will make us more relatable to the world?
The answer is undeniably “yes” – social drinking will unarguably make us more relatable to the world. It will cause people of the world who view Christianity as a cramp on their lifestyle to reconsider. In fact, there are a broad array of subjects that would achieve the same results – the recreational consumption of Marijuana, cursing and swearing, refraining from taking the bible so literally, the loosening of God’s marriage law, etc. All of these subjects and more will unequivocally make us more relatable to the world. But is that what Christ is calling us to be? Should we become more conformed to the world, or should we be influencing the world to become more conformed to Christ? Rom 12:2 – “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
In Gal 6:14b, Paul said, “…the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” In other words, the world was despised by Paul as much as he was despised by the world for the sake of the cross, having become “the scum of the world, the dregs of all things” (1 Cor 4:13). Paul certainly could have gained more of a hearing if only he were willing to meet the world halfway regarding its ideals. Instead, he preached “Christ crucified” (1 Cor 1:23), a stumbling block to some and foolishness to others. It was unavoidable. Some wanted it and most did not because to fully follow Christ, we must likewise take up our cross daily and follow him (Luke 9:23). This requires self-denial and a life of sacrifice. It means there are some things we have to be willing to give up for the one who gave up so much more for us. Not everyone is willing to do this. Many desire a “Christianity” that does not require significant lifestyle changes.
It is lawful and wise to “be all things to all men” so that we might “save some” (1 Cor 9:22). But we must be cautious not to put the cart before the horse by assuming that this alone justifies the consumption of modern day alcoholic beverages. In Luke 10:29, the lawyer asked Jesus. “Who is my neighbor?” simply because his desire was self-justification. Many are looking for this same justification in areas in which God has not granted liberty and in fact has specifically warned against. We must be careful in trying to justify fleshly desires so that we do not become enablers of those whom we seek to influence. Though the ancient world diluted their wine, we dare not be guilty of watering down the gospel strictly for the sake our passions.
