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Response
Alcoholism is just one of many addictions that can take control of someone’s life. Because its effects are evident, drunkenness can seem to be a more severe sin than others. However, the Bible does not make such distinctions. It often links the sin of drunkenness with sins we might consider “less significant,” such as envy and selfish ambition (Galatians 5:19;1 Corinthians 6:10). It is simple to judge someone who is heavily intoxicated, while secretly excusing sins of the heart that God also finds detestable. The appropriate response is to see people as God sees them and acknowledge with Him that we are all sinners in need of salvation.
The Bible clearly states that drunkenness is a sin (Isaiah 5:11;Proverbs 23:20-21;Habakkuk 2:15). Proverbs 20:1 declares, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.” Ephesians 5:18 advises, “Do not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Holy Spirit.” It is noteworthy that this verse contrasts the influence of alcohol with the influence of the Holy Spirit. It indicates that if we desire to be led by the Spirit of God, we cannot also be under the control of alcohol. The two cannot simultaneously have dominion over us. By choosing one, we reject the authority of the other. As Christians, we are instructed to always “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16,25;Romans 8:1,14). Therefore, for a Christian, drunkenness is never a viable choice under any circumstances because there is no situation in which we should not be walking in the Spirit.
Alcoholism is a type of idolatry, just like any other addiction. Anything we use apart from God to fulfill or numb deep emotional needs is an idol. When we depend on ourSelves, someone else, or something else to meet our needs for value, worth, or significance, we have erected an idol that takes the place of the real God in our lives. God views it as such and has strong words for idol worshipers (Exodus 20:3; Exodus 34:14; 1 John 5:21; 1 Corinthians 12:2). Alcoholism is not a disease; it is a choice. God holds us accountable for our choices (Romans 14:12; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Hebrews 4:13).
Followers of Christ should strive to love their neighbors as themselves, regardless of the problems or addictions those neighbors may have “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”, (Matthew 22:29). But contrary to our modern idea that equates love with tolerance, real love does not tolerate or excuse the very sin that is destroying someone “let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”, (James 5:20). To enable or excuse alcohol addiction in someone we love is to tacitly participate in their sin.
There are several ways Christians can respond in Christlike love to alcoholics:
1. We can encourage the alcoholics in our lives to get help. A person caught in the trap of addiction needs help and accountability. There are many Christ-centered recovery programs such as Celebrate Recovery that are helping thousands of people break free from the chains of addiction.
2. We can set boundaries to not in any way condone drunkenness. Minimizing the consequences that alcohol abuse brings is not helping. SometTimes the only way addicts will seek help is when they reach the end of their options.
3. We can be careful not to cause others to stumble by limiting our alcohol use while in the presence of those struggling with it (1 Corinthians 8:9-13). It is for this reason that many Christians choose to abstain from all alcohol consumption to avoid any appearance of evil “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”, (1 Thessalonians 5:22, KJV) and to not put a stumbling block in a brother’s way. Since alcohol in its many forms has such a negative association in our culture, the potential for causing offense in weaker Christians is great. We must weigh our freedom against the possibility of causing others to sin or confusing unbelievers who associate alcohol with their own sinful lifestyles.
We must show compassion to everyone, including those whose choices have led them into strong addiction. However, we do alcoholics no favors by excusing or justifying their addiction. Jesus said we cannot serve two masters “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”, (Luke 16:13). Even though the context of His statement is money, the same principle applies to anything that controls us other than God. We must do everything we can to help people break free of whatever sin stronghold binds them so that they can serve and worship God with their whole heart.
