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AGONY BLOKE ::::

Q: ::How much can I drink?!

Dear Agony Bloke,
I'm a sixteen and a half year old girl who is in need of some advice. Basically I go to a lot of parties where loads of people drink loads of alcohol and I want to know whether I, as a Christian, should be setting an example by not drinking. The problem with that though, is that I do like to have a bit of alcohol as it makes me more relaxed. Also I don't believe that Jesus was a T-totaller (we drink wine at communion don't we??!!?). But how far can I go? Is it ok to get a bit tipsy, but not to get drunk? In the Bible it says that we shouldn't get drunk, but what does 'drunk' mean exactly? Please help.

Confused, London

Dear confused

I'm so glad you wrote in about this as it's a question that loads of us ask at some time or other. As with all issues on living a Christian life we need to go to the bible for our answer.

You wrote that you didn't believe Jesus was a T-totaller. I am in agreement. Yes, Jesus himself did set us the example in the Lord's supper (Mark 14:12-26) of using bread & wine, also Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine at a party (John 2:1-11). So we can presume that he didn't regard alcohol as a complete no no. With regards to getting drunk - the Bible is very clear. the following are just a few scriptures that clarify God's view:-
Prov 20:1 Wine is a mocker & beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Romans 13:12-14 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies & drunkenness...rather, clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Galatians 5:16,19,21,22,25 Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature...the acts of the sinful nature are drunkenness, orgies and the like... But the fruit of the spirit is... self control...since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:15,18 Be very careful...how you live...Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit.

So, you ask "What does 'drunk' mean exactly?" The dictionary definition is 'lacking proper control of oneself from the effects of alcoholic drink.'

I think that it is important to set a good example of being self controlled (knowing the point at which one more drink would result in you 'lacking proper control'), having self confidence (not giving in to peer pressure) and be able to enjoy a drink (although it is illegal for you to purchase any or get someone to purchase some for you). If you find it difficult to establish a balance - don't drink at all. If you can't do that, don't go to those kind of parties.

God isn't in the business of wanting to ruin our fun. Rather one of his main missions is loving us and therefore he always has our good in mind. As Christians we need to be asking 'How can I please God with my life, attitudes and actions?' rather than 'How far can I go?'


From www.soulsurvivor.com

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