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May A Christian Engage in Social Drinking?
Drunkenness is strongly condemned in God's word. Paul wrote, "Let us walk honestly, as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying…" (Rom. 13:13). "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these…drunkenness, revellings." Paul further says, "They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Gal. 5:19-21). Here we find but two of the many passages where God gives attention to drunkenness. Are these references not enough to make any Christian avoid even the slightest connection with the great mocker, alcohol? Indeed, in this matter, every Christian has a responsibility to keep, not only himself circumspect, but to refrain from influencing others toward evil and its potentials.
But what about "social drinking" for the Christian?
Let us observe the statements of Peter: "For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries" (1 Peter 4:3). Please observe that Peter uses two different expressions, "excess of wine" and "banquetings." I believe that Peter is showing that not only drunkenness is sinful, but also drinking parties. In fact, it is interesting to note in the NASV, the Greek word patios (which is translated, "banquetings" in the KJV) is translated "drinking parties." So what does Peter say about those who engage in these parties of "social drinking?" He says the Christian should "no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lust of men, but to the will of God" (1 Peter 4:2). Social drinking of alcohol is living in "the flesh to the lust of men."
Christians have no business engaging in "social drinking." Christians have no business endorsing and upholding a practice that will destroy others. Some years ago, I was invited to speak at an AA meeting. At the end of the program, I was allowed to ask questions of the hundred or more in the audience. This was my question to those alcoholics: "How did you get started with alcohol?" I was astounded by the answer. The resounding answer was, "through social drinking!"
