Why do you drink alcohol?

[Crabtownboy]

I do not drink ....

It is rather like I do not eat liver. I can't stand the smell or taste of liver, and I really do not like the taste of alcohol.

 

[annsni]

It's an issue where we live. Here if unbelievers knew you drank alcohol you would no longer have a testimony before them, they would no longer listen to you or accept anything you say. Testimony completely lost.

See I don't see this at all. Honestly, in many circumstances, I see that our not drinking has actually made some uncomfortable. We have a sailboat and belong to a yacht club. There is a LOT of drinking going on with the other sailors and I know that we don't have crew for many races because we don't drink. Also when we're cruising and we see others that we know, it's always polite to invite someone on board. In many cases where we've gone on other boats, they've offered us a drink because that's what they do. We always decline and you can see that it throws them for a loop because NOW what?? LOL Back when we were still drinking, we would have a drink and that was something that a few people told us help them feel connected (not the right term but....). In other words, they felt like we were real people and not just holier than thou kind of people who were above them - but were people like them but who had a relationship with Jesus. Did our drinking ever hurt our testimony to the unsaved? I don't believe so.

However, now we are more around the saved and newly saved as well as college students who are surrounded by illegal alcohol (because they are too young to drink) and we do not want to cause conflict in their lives. We want to show them that you CAN have fun without alcohol and that not everyone drinks. While they most likely wouldn't see us drinking on our boat 4 days away from here, we still decided to be consistent and choose not to drink at all.

So I don't think alcohol ruins your testimony at all. I think it depends on who you are around and the culture that you live in.

 

[Matt Black]

It's an issue where we live. Here if unbelievers knew you drank alcohol you would no longer have a testimony before them, they would no longer listen to you or accept anything you say. Testimony completely lost.

Why? I've never ever come across that kind of thing before. It just wouldn't register with me that a non-Christian mught say "oh, you've just had a pint of Deuchars, you can't possibly speak to me about the Gospel". What's the historical/ cultural background round your way for what you say? I'm intrigued...

Ann, would it be OK for your husband to say to your yachty friends that he doesn't drink when 'on duty' and, because he's a minister, he's always 'on duty'? Surely they'd accept that kind of explanation?

 

[webdog]

Because it "gladdens the heart of man", is not prohibited, used as it should is viewed as a blessing in the Bible, I like beer, our Savior drank wine, etc.

Would we dare ask God when we get to Heaven why He did? Who here will refuse the best wine God offers us in Isaiah 25:6?

Why do people eat fast food? Why do people eat junk food? This poll could easily apply to just about everything we consume...

 

[Baptist Believer]

Back when we were still drinking, we would have a drink and that was something that a few people told us help them feel connected (not the right term but....). In other words, they felt like we were real people and not just holier than thou kind of people who were above them - but were people like them but who had a relationship with Jesus. Did our drinking ever hurt our testimony to the unsaved? I don't believe so.

I have to agree. This has been my experience.

However, now we are more around the saved and newly saved as well as college students who are surrounded by illegal alcohol (because they are too young to drink) and we do not want to cause conflict in their lives. We want to show them that you CAN have fun without alcohol and that not everyone drinks. While they most likely wouldn't see us drinking on our boat 4 days away from here, we still decided to be consistent and choose not to drink at all.

Absolutely. That's an excellent reason not to drink.

So I don't think alcohol ruins your testimony at all. I think it depends on who you are around and the culture that you live in.

Yes, I can't agree more. At the same time, we need to be careful not to misjudge those who are in situations other than our own. There may indeed be some situations where nonbelievers would see moderate alcohol consumption as a problem... case in point, ministry to Mormons in Mormon-dominated areas.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Back when we were still drinking, we would have a drink and that was something that a few people told us help them feel connected (not the right term but....). In other words, they felt like we were real people and not just holier than thou kind of people who were above them - but were people like them but who had a relationship with Jesus.

Not too sure about that. I have not had a drink in about 35 years. I go to all kinds of functions where drink is the norm and know that people do not see it as a 'holier than thou' attitude. They always respect me and my choice graciously. I don't think drink is needed to help us 'connect' even amongst the lost.

I do appreciate your stand and your consistency with drink today :thumbs:

 

[Matt Black]

I think it's OK if you say 'up front' that you don't drink at all. Now, the recipient of that statement may wonder why you don't drink and speculate as to all manner of reasons, from you being 'religious' to you being a recovering alcoholic, but s/he will generally accept that explanation. It's a bit different though if you're offered a drink and simply refuse it without explanation.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

I think it comes down to attitude Matt. I normally just say, 'No thanks, your grand.' and I am offered a Coke or water. If asked I just say that I don't drink - never a conflict - even the Irish drink culture.

 

[webdog]

I think it comes down to attitude Matt. I normally just say, 'No thanks, your grand.' and I am offered a Coke or water. If asked I just say that I don't drink - never a conflict - even the Irish drink culture.

You ask for a thousand dollars instead?

 

[annsni]

Why? I've never ever come across that kind of thing before. It just wouldn't register with me that a non-Christian mught say "oh, you've just had a pint of Deuchars, you can't possibly speak to me about the Gospel". What's the historical/ cultural background round your way for what you say? I'm intrigued...

Ann, would it be OK for your husband to say to your yachty friends that he doesn't drink when 'on duty' and, because he's a minister, he's always 'on duty'? Surely they'd accept that kind of explanation?

Yep - we do explain. We tell them about the college kids and that we're doing it mostly for them and they do respect it. But I do have to say that it's such a drinking crowd that they don't really know how to entertain someone without alcohol. It's sad to see actually. These are not people we hang out with all the time because, well, we're just coming from very different worlds. We have kids and boats in common but I just don't feel an overly close connection to them. The funny thing is that one year we met a missionary family who were sailing and we connected SOOO much - more so than the yacht club people that were with us on the trip. Just goes to show how brothers and sisters in Christ have more in common than the world.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

You ask for a thousand dollars instead?

Whoops, 'You're grand'

 

[FriendofSpurgeon]

Yep - we do explain. We tell them about the college kids and that we're doing it mostly for them and they do respect it. But I do have to say that it's such a drinking crowd that they don't really know how to entertain someone without alcohol. It's sad to see actually. These are not people we hang out with all the time because, well, we're just coming from very different worlds. We have kids and boats in common but I just don't feel an overly close connection to them. The funny thing is that one year we met a missionary family who were sailing and we connected SOOO much - more so than the yacht club people that were with us on the trip. Just goes to show how brothers and sisters in Christ have more in common than the world.

I think that's a great explanation. I think it's the same thing with our own youth pastor.

 

[Marcia]

Well, I really appreciate it that finally some who drink gave their views. So thanks!

I don't like hard liquor but I no longer drink wine or beer for 2 reasons - 1) I'm a missionary and it could be used against me in my ministry, and 2) when my son was in his teens, I, as a Christian single mom, just thought it better to set that example for him, that one could be an adult and not drink and still have a good time.

If offered alcohol at a gathering, I simply say "No, thanks, but I'd like a soda/tea/coffee if you have it." It's never been a problem.

I have Christian friends who drink and Christian friends who don't.

 

[Jim1999]

My youngest brother, who is now 65, and loves his beer. He gave up driving a motorcar so he cold drink beer freely.

He came to help me install ceilings in my new house. It took me weeks to get up the nerve, but I did go to the local liguor store and bought a case of 24 pints of his favourite beer. I put it in our refrigerator to keep it cold for him.

Long story short, he was so upset that I would actualy buy beer even though it was for him that he wouldn't touch one pint and he brought his own with him. I had to give the case of beer to a neighbour. That was the last time I entered that liquor store to buy alcohol for anyone.

Once a stand is taken, stay true to it. Your witness may very well be at stake.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Brian30755]

I drink in moderation because I like the taste of beer and certain mixed drinks (I don't like wine), and it does help me relax and "feel good". I usually only drink at home, but occasionally will have a drink or two at a restaurant if someone else is driving.

Also, some studies have shown that people who have had coronary by-pass surgery are less likely to need to have surgery again if they have a couple of drinks each day. I definitely don't want to go through that surgery again.

 

[Melanie]

I occasionally have an alcoholic drink ,it is always in a social setting and most commonly when out with friends.

I find a glass that you nurse is quite sufficient for the most part and because alcohol generally sets me up for a migraine, I go for a mineral water or other soft option.

I did use to enjoy a scotch but that is a thing of the past.:type:

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Once a stand is taken, stay true to it. Your witness may very well be at stake.

Cheers,

Jim

Excellent perspective

 

[PJ]

Once a stand is taken, stay true to it. Your witness may very well be at stake.

I do not drink, never did, never intend to. There's nothing to be gained by it. Especially when I've seen what it's done to so many around me. I don't need alcohol to fit in, feel good, relax or otherwise.

In terms of culture, it is not acceptable to be twice born and drink alcohol in our parts.

 

[Baptist Believer]

I don't need alcohol to fit in, feel good, relax or otherwise.

For the record, neither do it. However, there are still reasons why Christians may choose to appropriately use alcohol which do not fit the categories you listed.

In terms of culture, it is not acceptable to be twice born and drink alcohol in our parts.

Fair enough. But let me ask, is that your church culture, or is it in terms of the culture of your region, both believers and non-believers?

 

[webdog]

Fair enough. But let me ask, is that your church culture, or is it in terms of the culture of your region, both believers and non-believers?

Since I am also in Ohio, I can say it is not region. Maybe it's PJ's church or denomination?