To Drink or Not to Drink (Proverbs 20:1)

Alcohol is one of those things that can take a life and destroy it in an instant.

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a riotous brawler, and whoever errs or reels because of it is not wise." Proverbs 20:1, Amplified

There is nothing in the Bible to suggest that we should never drink alcohol. In fact Paul encourages Timothy to drink wine because he was frequently sick. "No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities." (First Timothy 5:23, NKJV) There is even Scripture to suggest that Jesus Himself drank wine. "For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend to tax collectors and sinners!'" (Matthew 11:18-19, NKJV)

So is it okay for a Christina to drink? I am of the argument, when in doubt, don't. Paul wrote, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." (First Thessalonians 5:22, KJV) So how could he encourage Timothy to drink and the Thessalonians to abstain from the very appearance of evil? We have to remember that Timothy was a young pastor under the tutelage of Paul who was battling within himself the idea of drinking for it was customary in those days to drink wine. But then again wine is an alcoholic beverage. So where is that line for us today? Paul wrote, "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18, NKJV) In other words, we should always keep our eyes on Jesus and not subject our bodies to those things which may take that focus away. In the original language, that word "be" refers to a continual filling such as be being filled with the Spirit. If we are constantly filling ourselves with the Spirit, then we should have no time for the spirits.