Take One Down and Pass It Around
Having looked into the tearful eyes of parents whose children have abandoned the Faith, I have learned there are a million miles between our children “going through the motions” in reference to their spiritual lives versus our children possessing hearts that dictate their actions. In this column, I plan to share with you what I hope to instill in the hearts of my own children and those whom I love.
What example are you sending with your attitude toward alcohol?
Some of the most creative advertising minds in the world are using their talents for the alcoholic beverage industry. Their commercials entertain millions while quietly planting seeds of desire. Magazine ads frequently portray the illusion of youthful pleasure and inclusion for those who drink alcohol. Research studies are frequently used as a tool to promote the benefits of drinking alcohol. But this beautiful mirage is clouded by a war that rages between the perceived “fun” of social drinking versus the ever present danger of drunk driving and the reality of alcoholism. This is a war with extremely high stakes. On the one hand, lives are literally at risk, and on the other, beverage alcohol is a multi-billion dollar industry.
The controversy surrounding alcoholic beverages has found its way into the church as well. Scholarly men debate various Scriptures to either denounce or support drinking alcohol. Many congregations have quietly—almost unknowingly—segregated into clicks consisting of those who drink “socially” and those who don’t. Members argue the ethics of investing in beer companies that are making huge profits. Both sides go to great strides to justify their positions. This tension has caused many preachers and elders to remain silent and comfortably “settle in,” or ignore the issue altogether.
Here’s what I intend on teaching my children about beverage alcohol.
I have been the “gatekeeper” monitoring what is introduced into your life since you were born. In addition, your mother and I have been striving diligently to make sure that you were fed spiritually while under our roof. But I recognize that one day you will walk through that “gate” and I will turn these tasks over to you. When that day arrives, you will determine what things you allow through the gate. I hope that alcoholic beverages are not one of those.
When you reach the age of twenty-one, our government has declared it legal for you to drink beer, wine, and liquor. (Don’t lose sight of the fact that it is against the law before that time.) A common “right of passage” for individuals who reach this milestone is to go out and drink with friends. Let me strongly encourage you to find a better way to celebrate.
As you mature into adulthood, you will hear Christians argue about alcohol in the Bible. Many will correctly say the word oinos (wine) can mean alcoholic wine (Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 23:31-35). Others correctly point out that the same word can mean juice from grapes (Isaiah 65:8; Isaiah 16:10). I’ve listened to some extremely wise men argue both sides that Jesus’ first recorded miracle of making water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-10) was either alcoholic or simply grape juice. People in favor of drinking alcohol will point out Scripture like 1 Timothy 3:8 that says one should not be given to “much wine”—stressing the “much” or that a little is good for the stomach (1 Timothy 5:23). These individuals will also point out that the Bible doesn’t condemn drinking alcohol, but rather drunkenness.
A couple of things that I want to point out to help you fully understand this debate. First, individuals of that day were connoisseurs of grapes. Many men could probably tell you what region the grapes were grown simply from the taste. Secondly, clean water was not as prevalent as we have it here in the United States. Men living during this time in history didn’t have running water in their homes that had been chlorinated. In many regions—just like today—poor water would lead to sickness. As such, it was common for men to drink fruit juice with their meals. But refrigerators were also unknown at this time—so they needed a way to preserve juice and be able to drink it days or weeks after the juice was squeezed from the grapes. The process of fermentation allowed the juice to be stored for much longer periods of time. (I would point out to you that the alcohol content in their “wine” was MUCH less than what is used today.)
As I mentioned, I know the controversy exists—and the debate will likely rage on long after I’m gone. It is your mother’s and my prayer that you will throw all of the debate completely out the window and consider one thing: influence. As a faithful Christian, you must always consider how your influence affects others. What message are you sending the person from whom you purchase alcohol, or the individual who watches you carry it out of the store? This is one of those controversies that never needs to be a controversy. Rather than fret about alcoholism or justification of moderate drinking, just determine today that you will not use alcoholic beverages. It will make your life simpler and your influence stronger. Make a difference and be that shining light. You don’t need it to be pleasing to God. As Paul admonished, “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). I challenge you to be a gatekeeper who doesn’t allow alcoholic beverages through your gate!
Love,
Dad