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I don't have a problem with drink. But some of my brothers do and so I don't do it. One shouldn't place before a brother or sister a stumbling block. Paul mentions this in relationship to food offered to idols. One shouldn't eat ice cream and cake in front of a diabetic. That's just as wrong as sucking down a beer in front of an alcoholic.
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I agree with Theophilus that alcohol is an issue Paul addressed. Moderate consumption (I think we all agree that drunkenness is a sin without question), is not a matter of salvation and is debatable among believers. Personally, I have no problem with a beer every now and then, but never more than two for me. My guage on such issues is whether I would be comfortable standing in front of our church's congregation and stating my beliefs. In this case, I would have no problem telling others that I have a drink now and then.
A parallel example for me might be the Miss American pageant. For most people, watching it is fine. For me, I can't watch it as lust will fill my heart immediately. Therefore, for me, watching it would be a sin as I'm under conviction from God. My wife has no problem, so it's fine for her. However, if I'm around, she will switch it off out of respect for me.
Similarly, as Paul instructs us, I will not drink in front of those who I know are weak to giving in to drunkenness or other believers who are uncomfortable with alcohol. My wife's family is completely 100% anti-alcohol and I'll never drink in front of them. Do I hide the beer in my fridge if they come over? No, but I don't partake while they're around out of respect for their beliefs.
Like money, alcohol is amoral. Not immoral, but of no intrinsic moral value either good or bad. The
love of money can dominate a man's life and we are told the
love of money is the root of all evil. However, using money responsibly can be a powerful witness. I think alcohol is similar. It's not intrinsically good or bad, but the
love (or abuse) of alcohol can be devistating.