Wine -- Drinking and Thinking

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Eph 5:18)

We were guests of an unbelieving stranger in a strange culture. As was his custom, he offered us a little wine before we shared in a meal at his home. Should we accept or reject this sign of hospitality?

Some controversy has recently been raised among friends about whether the Bible teaches that a little wine (alcoholic) is okay for a Christian. This is a topic that has been a subject of debate among Christians for a long time. There are many people on both sides of the issue. This can even be seen in what is served during Communion by various congregations. Some churches serve alcoholic wine and others serve grape juice. Since there are strong forces on both sides of the issue it means that there is evidence to support both sides of the issue. So, we should not judge a congregation or a person based on their belief about wine. What is more important than what goes in the mouth is what comes out of the heart. What spirit is being manifest?

There are many books available on this subject. One that I recommend can be seen at http://www2.andrews.edu/~samuele/books/wine_in_the_bible/1.html.

Personally, I believe that Jesus did not make alcoholic wine at the wedding. As the above book points out, our definition of the words translated "wine" may be different than 2000 years ago. And, our preconceptions about technology can cause us to arrive at false conclusions. In my opinion, it is definitely best to avoid alcoholic drinks. But, what we drink is less important than what we think. What we think is greatly affected by who we associate with and what we hear and see. What goes in our eyes and ears often has a much greater affect on our life than what goes in our mouth and eventually determines what we put in our mouth. As first priority, let's first consider what we should change in our brain intake.

If one of us drinks alcohol, it might be good to ask, "Why?" When this stranger offered me a drink of wine, I accepted because I felt a rejection would raise a wall to our communication about God's love. This bit of wine was my first alcoholic drink in years and probably my last. My reason was to communicate God's love. Even though what we drink and eat is vitally important to our health, it is even more important to make it our first priority to grow in love by seeking to be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit. What we think is much more critical than what we drink.

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.