As I have gotten older, I have noticed a trend among younger Christians that bothers me. I don’t know if this is a recent trend or I am just noticing it now that I am older and more exposed to the world. What I am talking about is Christians’ affinity for alcohol and more specifically, Christians getting drunk very frequently and not thinking anything of it.
A few disclaimers before I dive into this: I do drink alcohol when I am not on contract, I am 22 and it is totally legal; I do not have a problem with Christians drinking in general. Also any time I refer to Christians drinking in this article, I am talking about either non-Covenant students or Covenant students who are of legal drinking age who are off contract.
I’m sure you’ve been in a similar place as me: either being at a party where there is alcohol or hearing from a friend about something that happened at a party. I have seen or heard time and time again of Christians drinking until they cannot even speak in coherent sentences, but when they or a friend retell what happened, they usually laugh it off and think nothing of it. Many Christians act like getting drunk is totally normal and acceptable, and if you were at a party with one of them and a nonbeliever, you really could not tell the difference.
This is where Christian behavior in regards to alcohol bothers me. If we have been transformed by the love and mercy of Christ, should our lives not look completely different from those who do not know God? I am by no means saying I am perfect, and I too have drunk perhaps a little more than I should have when on break in the past. The problem is within me just as much as it is outside of me as well, please hear me say that.
It is easy to live a sinful life and be like everyone else, but that’s not what we’re called to do. I am not trying to promote legalism, but God does call us to obey Him and keep his commandments. In Dr. Kapic’s doctrine class, he reminded us several times that to be called is to be called to do something. If we say we are children of God but our actions give no evidence of this, then how seriously do we take our salvation?
I guess what I’m saying is nothing new. Maybe you’re tired of hearing it, but I think we need to be reminded of our sin every day, not to wallow in it or be discouraged but so we may repent and turn to God for forgiveness and grace. So if you’re 21 or older, have a beer while you’re home for Christmas, have several beers even! But remember that you are called to a greater calling in life and nonbelievers will notice when you live a life radically different than theirs.