From the Elder's Pen "Social Drinking" 5/11/03 Past/Future Articles

The person who lives out-and-out for Christ may be called a religious fanatic.  Perhaps even by some of his fellow church members, because the sins Peter attributes to the “outsider” (licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and lawless idolatry – 1 Peter 4:3 – are often seen in those “inside”.
 Social drinking is becoming an increasing problem in affluent America.  Church members who participate have been known to put pressures on fellow church members to go along.
 Would the person who defends social drinking be willing to sign the following?

1. I do not believe drinking damages my reputation and influence.
2. I believe I can convincingly talk to a person about Christ with a drink in my hands.
3. My interest and involvement in the church is as strong now as it was before I started drinking: I’ve lost none of my fervor for spiritual activities.
4. I have become more generous in giving to the church and other good causes since I started drinking.
5. When Jesus comes I’d be perfectly comfortable meeting Him with a drink in my hand.
6. Drinking has been good for my marriage; we have a more spiritual relationship since alcohol became a part of it.
7. I believe my drinking is a good influence on my children; I have no objection to them following my example in this matter.

 There is no justification for social drinking.  The arguments are shallow; not worthy of the intelligence these persons apply in other phases of their lives.