The Lord keeps laying this on my heart, so I hope this post comes across informatively and without judgment. My goal is to encourage you to see your glass from a different (biblical) perspective.
Some denominations prohibit drinking alcohol, but the Bible doesn’t forbid it per se. What the scriptures say, as in anything in else, is that we should use moderation. Drunkenness is sin. While I don’t think the Lord minds an occasional state of drunkenness (maybe too much egg nog at the holiday work party), losing our faculties on a regular basis isn’t a good thing. While I don’t agree with some denominations’ outright prohibition, I understand why they are totally against it –when drinking gets out of control, it leads to a lot of problems in life.
Drinking gets more glamorized by the year. Moms have wine clubs. People post photos of their happy hours. Being housebound last year from COVID totally enabled it. I don’t think the Lord has a problem with drinking in moderation—happy hour after work once a week, on the weekend, enjoying a glass of wine with dinner, etc. I really think it depends on an individual’s proclivities. What the Lord says is okay for your friend may not be okay for you if you are more sensitive to its effects. If you have a family history of alcoholism, the Lord may think it’s in your best interest to avoid it altogether. He’s not being a hard a$$. He’s being a loving, caring father who wants to keep you well and healthy.
The spirit of addiction (can apply to anything, not just booze) doesn’t run in my family bloodlines (there are plenty of other issues to make up for it), so I don’t have a complete understanding of the nature of alcoholism. However, as someone who manages depression, I know that most people who drink regularly, do so to feel better. Alcohol is an interesting remedy for that. It has different effects on people and can deliver them speedily. For some, it energizes and makes them more social. Ever felt the urge to have a drink before an important networking event? For others, it relaxes and calms. A lot of people like a beverage in the evening because it helps them sleep. For some, it takes the edge off after a stressful day.
Alcohol works on so many hormones and neurotransmitters in the body. I’m not a medical professional, but I do know that, for many, over the short term, it raises cortisol, estrogen, dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. That’s powerful stuff. If our body is deficient in certain vitamins, minerals, or amino acids, we may crave it. There are biochemical reasons for why you may have a physical craving or an addiction, just like there are spiritual reasons for why you may crave it (or be dependent).
I enjoy social drinking, although as I age and metabolize alcohol less effectively, I have to be careful. Too many social occasions packed into too many weeks can leave me feeling depleted. COVID, however, practically gave everyone a license to drink. Understandably, as many were scared, on edge, and stressed out about health, safety, job status, and money. Even I started having a glass (sometimes two) of sparkling wine several evenings a week. After a month or so, it threw my hormones for a loop, and the Holy Spirit reminded me that my constitution is not one that can handle regular drinking. It also interfered with my thyroid function. I nipped that in the bud fast.
While alcohol can provide an array of pleasant effects in the short term, over the long haul it acts as a depressant on the body (at a cellular level). It disrupts hormones and neurotransmitters by interfering with brain chemistry. It ruins livers. It messes with blood sugar and metabolism. It destroys the enamel on your teeth. I’m sure it does a lot more damage, but these are the biggies.
What’s the Lord showing you about your consumption for the new year? I’m not referring to a “dry January,” although that might be a good start. I encourage you to take the subject (like all things) to Him in prayer and talk about it. You don’t have to feel ashamed or afraid. He’s not judging you. He may be completely fine with what you’re doing–then again, He may ask you to scale back. Trust that if He asks you to cut it back or give it up, it’s for good reason. If you’re struggling with an addiction, please avail yourself of the many resources (AA), like “Celebrate Recovery,” a popular recovery program offered by many churches that is highly successful at helping Christians get free from addictive bondage.
Don’t beat yourself up if you’ve been relying a little too heavy on alcohol. Don’t let others beat you up for it, either. If they shame you, it’s a reflection of their character weakness. God still loves you. We all have weaknesses and areas in which we struggle (people who say that they don’t are in denial or being dishonest). Kicking addictions can take time for many people—lots of peaks and valleys (be patient with yourself because the enemy tempts you big time). Just repent for whatever the Lord brings to your attention and ask Him to help you get clean. He’ll lead you to the right place.
Most importantly, ask Him to help you fill the void that alcohol provided, however that may look. Perhaps it’s exercise, more time in His word, getting involved with church, prayer, listening to praise music, healthier eating, etc. Remember, it’s okay to enjoy spirits in moderation, but we should get our high from the Holy Spirit. Nothing can satisfy like Him.
