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alcohol, boundaries, Christian blog, christian blogger, christianity, faith, freedom, inspiration, peace, should christians drink, temperance
Lately God has been impressing upon me the need for me to stop drinking alcohol. It started a few months ago and His voice gets louder as the time goes on. I tend to drink alcohol because (1) I like how it tastes and pairs with food {I’m a foodie}; (2) to socialize; and (3) sometimes to have fun. I would not call myself a drunkard, nor would others. I do not drink to numb myself. My problem is that drinking usually turns me into another person and I lose all of my inhibitions and wisdom. At first I thought that I could avoid those consequences if I limited myself to one drink. However, even with just one drink, I begin to say things that I should not, and I begin to lust. It is quite ridiculous.
In addition, I have always said that I would prefer if my husband did not drink alcohol. How can I expect that of him if I drink alcohol? That is controlling and unreasonable.
The less alcohol I drink, the lower my tolerance has become. As a result, it only takes one drink to get me to 100. I do not want to do anything that transforms me into a person other than the woman God intends for me to become. Most importantly, I do not want to lose everything because of alcohol. Recently, in my blog post titled The Thirst in the Desert, I recounted an event that happened while at a conference event: I almost kissed a guy because I was intoxicated. Who knows what that kiss could have led to. One thing I know for sure is that my promise to God and myself, that I would not kiss or have sex again until I am married, would have been broken. The possibility of that happening breaks my heart. I do not want to risk all of the progress that I have made. I know that God will forgive me, however, why risk even getting to that point. Is there anything worth more than my relationship with Christ? Why distance myself from God for a moment of pleasure? Why tempt myself? Why take a step toward sexual sin? Why say things that are not pleasing to God? Why blur the lines? Why flirt with sin? I do all of those things when I drink alcohol.
I have repeatedly told God that He can have it all. Well, now I am handing over alcohol and not looking back. The Bible does not say that drinking alcohol is a sin, however, while all things are lawful, not all things are helpful. 1 Corinthians 10:23. Also, the Lord’s Word says, “if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.” Matthew 5:30. Because drinking has caused me to come close to sinning, I am going to attempt to be wise and cut it out of my life before I do something that I regret. I pray that the Holy Spirit guide me with this decision and keep me strong throughout this journey. I do not know whether I will drink alcohol again, maybe I will, maybe I won’t. True love is unafraid to make sacrifices. I love God and value my relationship with Him so much that I am more than willing to give up the things that take me away from Him.
Listen to this song: Have it All
Freedom Untainted ® 
Great post! I quit drinking three years ago. I, also, became a different person when I drank and have made decisions while drinking that I will forever regret. Not having alcohol as part of my life has allowed me to always maintain complete control of my faculties and not wake up with guilt, shame, and regret. The Lord told me to stop drinking well before I finally did – and as per usual, I wish I would have listened sooner. God loves us, and has our best interests at heart, and if He is telling us to do something – it is for our own good. I am thankful that He continually gives me the strength not to give in to that temptation and THAT decision has been one that I have NEVER regretted!
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This is powerful. Deep. & true. I believe it to be true that everyone who drinks, we lose some sense of self. Most of us deny it just too continue to in our inquity. I’m mean let’s be honest, sinning feels good…AT FIRST. Or else we wouldn’t be drawn to do it. But ultimately (if saved) our Conscience kicks in and that guilt eats us alive. As Christians, we have free will, God is not an invasive God, however he does call us to be wise.
I love this!
Your transparency in this blog will help so many others who struggle with making this decision/commitment not just to God but also to self. Let’s continue to draw nearer to God and he will draw nearer to us. I love you.
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