The midpoint of Ephesians is marked by the ways of Christian living. Paul advocated for wise living, a careful approach. He urged making the most of every opportunity, skipping idleness. As he wrapped up these admonitions he noticed another sin snaking its way through the vices and temptations common to man: drunkenness. Look, now, at how he put it.
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, (Ephesians 5:18a–ESV)
No prohibition
Look, first, at what is Paul does not say. He does not say, “Do not drink alcohol.” American Christianity as influenced by the thrust of Evangelicalism in the 20th Century advocated for prohibition. The church then painted alcohol too bleakly bringing along other problems.
Pro-temperance
Temperance is another word common in 20th Century Christian parlance. Well that is a better take on what Paul is saying in Ephesians. He says, “Do not be drunk.” Good people take bad turns when living under the influence. The issue is not drink, but excess. He says, “Stay sober.” This is a fine fit with the rest of Paul’s sense of things, his mantra of self-control, circumspect living.
When alcohol settles down into your mind it begins to strum your pleasure centers and unfits your for godly living. Through excess, foolishness, loosened lips, forgetfulness of your duty one is pointed toward making the worst of every opportunity. Drunkenness is a hindrance to spiritual life.
Now, the decision is really up to you whether you drink alcohol or not but decide beforehand how this fits into your personality, your family, your Christian and non-Christian communities. Then act accordingly. If you have any struggle with self-control then perhaps you should skip alcohol entirely. After all, if it is your notion to serve the Lord why make it harder than it already is.
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