I love a good drink. Bahama Mamas, French Martinis, Bourbon and Coconut Water (try it!), ice cold Bold Rock cider, Aldi’s finest Pinot Grigio (2.89. Seriously.), Sangria, Vodka Lemonade..you get the idea. I enjoy relaxing with a glass of something delicious, either with friends or by myself.

“But Angela,” you ask, ” Aren’t you a Christian?”

I am. And I love a margarita.

There are some very black and white commands in the Bible about many things. Drinking is one I believe is left to our discretion. We all know Jesus turned water into wine, and there are verses that say a little drinking makes the heart glad. Drunkenness is another story, though. God doesn’t seem to like it very much.

I think, as with anything else, you have to look at how it affects you. If you struggle with substance abuse, as some of my dearest friends do, you may not be able to have even one drink. Ever. It’s just too dangerous.

Some people can have one beer a month and that’s plenty for them.

I fall somewhere in the middle.

I will be honest and say that if I am not careful I can go overboard with alcohol. As a result of drinking I may or may not have found myself kissing a college student in a leprechaun hat at Shamrock the Block two St. Patrick’s Days ago. He turned out to be a very nice man, but wow. Just wow.

For me, that’s not okay. Impaired judgment can easily lead to sin, but it doesn’t excuse it. When I’m done having a fun night, I still have to deal with the consequences of my actions. If I am dishonoring God when I drink and making bad decisions, there’s a problem.

Some Christians choose to abstain completely from alcohol. I don’t fault them. They just don’t want to be tempted in that way at all. As someone who wants to please God AND have a pina colada, I have to practice intentional moderation. I want to be able to have fun and enjoy socializing with friends. I don’t want to end up with a lampshade on my head. Moderation.

This issue is personal and each one of us needs to decide where we stand, and give others the freedom to do the same. Be honest with yourself and ask if you can handle it or if it gets in the way of your walk with Christ. Go from there. No judgment.

Cheers.

Ang

So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God- 1 Corinthians 10:31