Christians and alcohol.

Hi, I'm wondering what people's opinions are on the above subject.

I'm a recovering alcoholic (I refuse to say "I AM AN ALCOHOLIC" - because I don't drink the stuff anymore - at all).

But the major thing that I've noticed since being sober, is that everyone else is obsessed by the stuff! (PS I've also quit smoking and drinking any form of caffeine).

The reason behind this posting, is that, despite my friend knowing that I don't drink, she has just invited me to a beer festival!!!

I'm not experienced enough to give biblical quotes on the subject. But I'd really appreciate some help on the subject.

I find it scary, that the rest of the world seems to be constantly reliant on some form of drug/stimulant, when I thought it was just me! Everywhere I go, everything I do, involves the booze/caffeine culture, "would you like a coffee/tea/glass of wine/a beer".

I just can't get over my so-called friends. They are constantly inviting me to partake in something that will do me harm. They don't mean me harm, but they keep on doing it. Like my friend who invited me to the beer festival. Yes there will be music and stuff which will be great, but she was trying to tempt me with tasty beers and ciders (really!) I thought peer pressure was over when I was a teenager, but middle-aged women are SOOO much worse. I literally have to pour booze away after they've filled my glass, when I have absolutely said I don't want any/more. And when they're not jacked up on booze, they're jacked up on caffeine. MANIC!!!

Consequently, I've recently become quite anti-social.

HELP
 
Hi, I'm wondering what people's opinions are on the above subject.

I'm a recovering alcoholic (I refuse to say "I AM AN ALCOHOLIC" - because I don't drink the stuff anymore - at all).

But the major thing that I've noticed since being sober, is that everyone else is obsessed by the stuff! (PS I've also quit smoking and drinking any form of caffeine).

The reason behind this posting, is that, despite my friend knowing that I don't drink, she has just invited me to a beer festival!!!

I'm not experienced enough to give biblical quotes on the subject. But I'd really appreciate some help on the subject.

I find it scary, that the rest of the world seems to be constantly reliant on some form of drug/stimulant, when I thought it was just me! Everywhere I go, everything I do, involves the booze/caffeine culture, "would you like a coffee/tea/glass of wine/a beer".

I just can't get over my so-called friends. They are constantly inviting me to partake in something that will do me harm. They don't mean me harm, but they keep on doing it. Like my friend who invited me to the beer festival. Yes there will be music and stuff which will be great, but she was trying to tempt me with tasty beers and ciders (really!) I thought peer pressure was over when I was a teenager, but middle-aged women are SOOO much worse. I literally have to pour booze away after they've filled my glass, when I have absolutely said I don't want any/more. And when they're not jacked up on booze, they're jacked up on caffeine. MANIC!!!

Consequently, I've recently become quite anti-social.

HELP
Most real Christians gravitate to solitude. That's best and normal. Still, we need to get the gospel out, it's only duty we have: ministry of reconciliation 2 Cor 5:18-21.

Any vice is dangerous and most Christians are gluttons and don't think anything of it. The reason everyone falls victim is because we all have a God-size hole in our hearts that only He can fill.

1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV)
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.​

Rebellion is witchcraft and pride is wickedness and idolatry. When we put anything before God, it's rebellion, witchcraft, pride, wickedness and idolatry. We all have this because we're sinners. Jesus died for us to be able to overcome it.

I hope this helps.
 
Hi, I'm wondering what people's opinions are on the above subject.

I'm a recovering alcoholic (I refuse to say "I AM AN ALCOHOLIC" - because I don't drink the stuff anymore - at all).

But the major thing that I've noticed since being sober, is that everyone else is obsessed by the stuff! (PS I've also quit smoking and drinking any form of caffeine).

The reason behind this posting, is that, despite my friend knowing that I don't drink, she has just invited me to a beer festival!!!

I'm not experienced enough to give biblical quotes on the subject. But I'd really appreciate some help on the subject.

I find it scary, that the rest of the world seems to be constantly reliant on some form of drug/stimulant, when I thought it was just me! Everywhere I go, everything I do, involves the booze/caffeine culture, "would you like a coffee/tea/glass of wine/a beer".

I just can't get over my so-called friends. They are constantly inviting me to partake in something that will do me harm. They don't mean me harm, but they keep on doing it. Like my friend who invited me to the beer festival. Yes there will be music and stuff which will be great, but she was trying to tempt me with tasty beers and ciders (really!) I thought peer pressure was over when I was a teenager, but middle-aged women are SOOO much worse. I literally have to pour booze away after they've filled my glass, when I have absolutely said I don't want any/more. And when they're not jacked up on booze, they're jacked up on caffeine. MANIC!!!

Consequently, I've recently become quite anti-social.

HELP

Time my dear sister to get some new friends.

It's important for a believer to be surrounded by faith friends so that we are able to keep our eyes on Jesus and not be tempted to fall back into old habits.

Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25 AMPC
http://bible.com/8/heb.10.25.AMPC

This is not just about one day a week at church.
We are redeemed from the curses of the world, and keeping our faith encouraged is important.

But instead warn (admonish, urge, and encourage) one another every day, as long as it is called Today, that none of you may be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [by the fraudulence, the stratagem, the trickery which the delusive glamor of his sin may play on him].
Hebrews 3:13 AMPC
http://bible.com/8/heb.3.13.AMPC

Blessings
 
Yea, as Abdicate, Cturtle, and godbe4me stated, you need new friends.

At many points in my life, there have been recovering alcoholics in whatever group I was with. No-one that I can remember tried to get them to drink. And, its not that I was always in a overtly spiritual crowd. Much of my social interactions were through acquaintances at my job. I am sure (and have knowledge) that several of them had problems with which they were dealing.

I was often traveling on business, and would have dinner with my co-workers. Now some would then go bar-hopping, but others would go back to their various hotels. I never saw anyone comment about whether drinks should be ordered with dinner (I usually had ice-tea), or try to change someones mind to go on their later 'tour' of local clubs.

So it is not unreasonable to expect friends and acquaintances to respect your decision for your life.

And, by the way, this is not just applicable to alcohol. A personal vice may consist of anything that takes control away from you, whether it be chemical or an activity that rules your life.
 
Hi, I'm wondering what people's opinions are on the above subject.

I'm a recovering alcoholic (I refuse to say "I AM AN ALCOHOLIC" - because I don't drink the stuff anymore - at all).

But the major thing that I've noticed since being sober, is that everyone else is obsessed by the stuff! (PS I've also quit smoking and drinking any form of caffeine).

The reason behind this posting, is that, despite my friend knowing that I don't drink, she has just invited me to a beer festival!!!

I'm not experienced enough to give biblical quotes on the subject. But I'd really appreciate some help on the subject.

I find it scary, that the rest of the world seems to be constantly reliant on some form of drug/stimulant, when I thought it was just me! Everywhere I go, everything I do, involves the booze/caffeine culture, "would you like a coffee/tea/glass of wine/a beer".

I just can't get over my so-called friends. They are constantly inviting me to partake in something that will do me harm. They don't mean me harm, but they keep on doing it. Like my friend who invited me to the beer festival. Yes there will be music and stuff which will be great, but she was trying to tempt me with tasty beers and ciders (really!) I thought peer pressure was over when I was a teenager, but middle-aged women are SOOO much worse. I literally have to pour booze away after they've filled my glass, when I have absolutely said I don't want any/more. And when they're not jacked up on booze, they're jacked up on caffeine. MANIC!!!

Consequently, I've recently become quite anti-social.

HELP

Something my pastor said today... this is not just physical, but spiritual. For the spirits of the things that you are subjecting yourself to are quite dangerous, and would like nothing more than to drag you back into the prison of alcohol that the devil had you trapped in, in the past.
 
I'm a recovering alcoholic (I refuse to say "I AM AN ALCOHOLIC" - because I don't drink the stuff anymore - at all).
So make up your mind here.
1. I am an alcoholic
OR
2. I am no longer an alcholholic for God has Delivered me from this.

Are you a Recovering sinner or a Recovering Saint?

Laymen Terms .... You either are or you ain't.

The way I see it, placing the Word Label of Recovering is giving the enemy the devil a place to hold on to.

God delivered me from being a 20 year plus Hard Core Drug Adic.

I was Not Ever a Recovering drug Adic but a redeemed, set free delivered Child of God.

Words Matter Big Time and that's why our enemy the devil is constantly hammering us with words to give life to by speaking them which brings acting on them which gives him right he should not ever had.

That's why Scripture tells us over and over in so many ways to keep God's Word in our eyes and ears and mouth.

So my Sister.....
How do you see your self now?
Blessings
FCJ
 
"Most real Christians gravitate to solitude. That's best and normal. Still, we need to get the gospel out, it's only duty we have: ministry of reconciliation 2 Cor 5:18-21.

Any vice is dangerous and most Christians are gluttons and don't think anything of it. The reason everyone falls victim is because we all have a God-size hole in our hearts that only He can fill."

Thanks Abdicate. I am quite a sociable person, and I think I'm worried about becoming some sort of hermit type person. When I heard from my friend I thought great, then disappointed. A lot of social situations involve alcohol, and I can deal with those fine. But an event that not only involves alcohol but actually celebrates it, what was she thinking. Maybe she couldn't find anybody else who wanted to go LOL.

I'm also a lot happier in my own company than I used to be, thanks to God.

Your comment about a God-size hole, has given me food for thought. I shall be looking at things in a different light now.
 
"Time my dear sister to get some new friends."

Thanks CT,
Short, sweet, and straight to the point! I smiled when I read this because I know that you're absolutely right!

Ditto Godbe4me!
 
So make up your mind here.
1. I am an alcoholic
OR
2. I am no longer an alcholholic for God has Delivered me from this.

Are you a Recovering sinner or a Recovering Saint?

Laymen Terms .... You either are or you ain't.

The way I see it, placing the Word Label of Recovering is giving the enemy the devil a place to hold on to.

God delivered me from being a 20 year plus Hard Core Drug Adic.

I was Not Ever a Recovering drug Adic but a redeemed, set free delivered Child of God.

Words Matter Big Time and that's why our enemy the devil is constantly hammering us with words to give life to by speaking them which brings acting on them which gives him right he should not ever had.

That's why Scripture tells us over and over in so many ways to keep God's Word in our eyes and ears and mouth.

So my Sister.....
How do you see your self now?
Blessings
FCJ

Massive food for thought! I suppose I use the word 'recovering', because I know that I am not a person who can just have a drink to be social, and then forget it (and I know this because I tried it countless times..). I shall now attempt to look at myself as someone who has been set free, not someone who has 'given up' something and is suffering, because I'm not suffering, I HAVE been set free by God.

Thank you for sharing your story. It has given me a completely different outlook. x
 
Yea, as Abdicate, Cturtle, and godbe4me stated, you need new friends.

At many points in my life, there have been recovering alcoholics in whatever group I was with. No-one that I can remember tried to get them to drink. And, its not that I was always in a overtly spiritual crowd. Much of my social interactions were through acquaintances at my job. I am sure (and have knowledge) that several of them had problems with which they were dealing.

I was often traveling on business, and would have dinner with my co-workers. Now some would then go bar-hopping, but others would go back to their various hotels. I never saw anyone comment about whether drinks should be ordered with dinner (I usually had ice-tea), or try to change someones mind to go on their later 'tour' of local clubs.

So it is not unreasonable to expect friends and acquaintances to respect your decision for your life.

And, by the way, this is not just applicable to alcohol. A personal vice may consist of anything that takes control away from you, whether it be chemical or an activity that rules your life.

Thanks Siloam for sharing this. I felt foolish for writing about what happened, but I knew that if I asked for help here, in collecting my thoughts, I would get it! And I did. I don't feel quite so unreasonable now!
 
"Most real Christians gravitate to solitude. That's best and normal. Still, we need to get the gospel out, it's only duty we have: ministry of reconciliation 2 Cor 5:18-21.

Any vice is dangerous and most Christians are gluttons and don't think anything of it. The reason everyone falls victim is because we all have a God-size hole in our hearts that only He can fill."

Thanks Abdicate. I am quite a sociable person, and I think I'm worried about becoming some sort of hermit type person. When I heard from my friend I thought great, then disappointed. A lot of social situations involve alcohol, and I can deal with those fine. But an event that not only involves alcohol but actually celebrates it, what was she thinking. Maybe she couldn't find anybody else who wanted to go LOL.

I'm also a lot happier in my own company than I used to be, thanks to God.

Your comment about a God-size hole, has given me food for thought. I shall be looking at things in a different light now.
I'm glad I could help. To help others, use the "Post Reply" or but "@" in front of their name, like this @ Abdicate (remove the space between @ and the name), so they know you're talking to them. I almost missed your comment as it wasn't flagged. :)
 
I'm glad I could help. To help others, use the "Post Reply" or but "@" in front of their name, like this @ Abdicate (remove the space between @ and the name), so they know you're talking to them. I almost missed your comment as it wasn't flagged. :)

Thanks, will do!
 
I hear what you are saying and truly alcohol and drugs can be or become addictive. And I also hear you saying that your abstinence is causing problems for you in your social life since you don't drink anymore.

I am wondering how true those friends who keep prodding you to drink with them..are because they obviously (at least for now) don't respect your choice to abstain. It could simply be they haven't caught on yet and maybe they will and continue to be friends in other ways except social drinking as central to your activities together. It could take time for them to get used to the idea. And your example could be very good for them. On the other hand they may not want someone in their group who doesn't drink and gradually turn away from you and not cultivate the friendship.

Stick with it! It is your choice to abstain and you have good reason to do so. Whether you stay in friendships which do not encourage what is best for you is up to you; but there are many folks out there eager to find friends who also abstain or who at least don't make booze the calling card in relationship building.

Your job is to fine them! And it may not be easy as you find ways to change so that you can be looking in the right places. Some small church groups would be a great place to start.

Wishing you well, prayerfully.

sandpiper..
 
I hear what you are saying and truly alcohol and drugs can be or become addictive. And I also hear you saying that your abstinence is causing problems for you in your social life since you don't drink anymore.

I am wondering how true those friends who keep prodding you to drink with them..are because they obviously (at least for now) don't respect your choice to abstain. It could simply be they haven't caught on yet and maybe they will and continue to be friends in other ways except social drinking as central to your activities together. It could take time for them to get used to the idea. And your example could be very good for them. On the other hand they may not want someone in their group who doesn't drink and gradually turn away from you and not cultivate the friendship.

Stick with it! It is your choice to abstain and you have good reason to do so. Whether you stay in friendships which do not encourage what is best for you is up to you; but there are many folks out there eager to find friends who also abstain or who at least don't make booze the calling card in relationship building.

Your job is to fine them! And it may not be easy as you find ways to change so that you can be looking in the right places. Some small church groups would be a great place to start.

Wishing you well, prayerfully.

sandpiper..

It's definitely an interesting situation! What I have noticed though, is that quite a few friends are curious about my not drinking. They ask how long it's been since I've had a drink, and how I'm feeling (great, obviously!!). I don't get all preachy about it, just answer the questions and move on.

The more I think about it, I wonder if the offers of a drink are more about them trying to justify their own choices? One point you made, about setting an example, is something I hadn't considered. Probably because I never thought that I'd be setting a good example to anyone as far as alcohol was concerned...

Blessings

Annie x
 
Hi, I'm wondering what people's opinions are on the above subject.

I'm a recovering alcoholic (I refuse to say "I AM AN ALCOHOLIC" - because I don't drink the stuff anymore - at all).

But the major thing that I've noticed since being sober, is that everyone else is obsessed by the stuff! (PS I've also quit smoking and drinking any form of caffeine).

The reason behind this posting, is that, despite my friend knowing that I don't drink, she has just invited me to a beer festival!!!

I'm not experienced enough to give biblical quotes on the subject. But I'd really appreciate some help on the subject.

I find it scary, that the rest of the world seems to be constantly reliant on some form of drug/stimulant, when I thought it was just me! Everywhere I go, everything I do, involves the booze/caffeine culture, "would you like a coffee/tea/glass of wine/a beer".

I just can't get over my so-called friends. They are constantly inviting me to partake in something that will do me harm. They don't mean me harm, but they keep on doing it. Like my friend who invited me to the beer festival. Yes there will be music and stuff which will be great, but she was trying to tempt me with tasty beers and ciders (really!) I thought peer pressure was over when I was a teenager, but middle-aged women are SOOO much worse. I literally have to pour booze away after they've filled my glass, when I have absolutely said I don't want any/more. And when they're not jacked up on booze, they're jacked up on caffeine. MANIC!!!

Consequently, I've recently become quite anti-social.

HELP

I agree with everyone else. You need to change your surroundings and develop relationships that will build you up, not hinder you. I do enjoy good wine with dinner or on the weekends, however, I do not over drink, I keep it very casual. I will say my addiction would be coffee. I love good flavored coffee. I wish you well. I know addictions are hard and people struggle with them. I am sorry you are dealing with this. I am equally sorry your friends are not supporting you better.
 
It's definitely an interesting situation! What I have noticed though, is that quite a few friends are curious about my not drinking. They ask how long it's been since I've had a drink, and how I'm feeling (great, obviously!!). I don't get all preachy about it, just answer the questions and move on.

The more I think about it, I wonder if the offers of a drink are more about them trying to justify their own choices? One point you made, about setting an example, is something I hadn't considered. Probably because I never thought that I'd be setting a good example to anyone as far as alcohol was concerned...

Blessings

Annie x
Yes, I think it is a witness.

I am thinking of Jeremiah 29:11.."For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." :)
 
Sometimes the bigger question is what message we are sending others. Choosing to to hang out in an environment and thus putting your stamp of approval on it may lead a weaker person in the wrong direction. Still, we do not have to choose solitude when there is so much ministry needed both in and out of the church. We should be involved and become His hands, His feet, His living epistle to others.
 
Yes, I think it is a witness.

I am thinking of Jeremiah 29:11.."For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." :)

Agreed. When you do not drink alcohol and some one asks you why, they have just opened a door of opportunity to you.

You can then talk to them about the ramifications of alcohol consumption.

Now, the bottom line is that drinking alcohol is a very hot topic among Christians that has been argued and discussed for thousands of years. God warns us to not be drunk and describes certain situations where someone should not drink, but the Bible never says that alcohol is wrong. Since the Bible doesn't absolutely forbid drinking alcohol, whether or not someone should drink is a personal decision to make for yourself.

Now I am not saying that it is OK to drink because it isn't. I am only giving you the reality of Scriptures as I for one do not advocate drinking in any for.
 
Agreed. When you do not drink alcohol and some one asks you why, they have just opened a door of opportunity to you.

You can then talk to them about the ramifications of alcohol consumption.

Now, the bottom line is that drinking alcohol is a very hot topic among Christians that has been argued and discussed for thousands of years. God warns us to not be drunk and describes certain situations where someone should not drink, but the Bible never says that alcohol is wrong. Since the Bible doesn't absolutely forbid drinking alcohol, whether or not someone should drink is a personal decision to make for yourself.

Now I am not saying that it is OK to drink because it isn't. I am only giving you the reality of Scriptures as I for one do not advocate drinking in any for.
I think it is something which is okay if done in moderation, of course, remembering Jesus turning the water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana. But I do agree because many people either can't handle alcohol or become addicted more than others. Of course, that is true of other things as well.

Always good when someone is set free by the Lord!

Amen!
 
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