The day I accepted Christ I got rid of alot of things I thought should no longer be part of my life, including music, books, movies, alcohol, etc. As I looked to the Bible for instruction on how to live a Christian life, I made adjustments along the way, as I realized some of the things I had originally rejected were the result of what I had been taught growing up.

I certainly don’t want to do anything God doesn’t want me to do, and I’m not looking for loopholes so I can do what I want; but I also don’t particularly want to live by someone else’s conscience.

What concerns me about people who choose not to drink is that sometimes they think they are somehow more spiritual or righteous than those who do. During my first year as a Christian, while I was still searching the scriptures to decide how I should conduct myself, I tried not to come off as being “holier than thou” when I was around people who were drinking. I didn’t mention it unless they asked, and tried not to sound superior – I figured any points I was making with God by abstaining would be cancelled out by being prideful about it.

I agree with what the guys on the video were saying, we should avoid being drunk, submit to the laws concerning drinking, and be careful not to “stumble” anyone. Having said that, I think it’s a personal decision, and each person should act according to their own conscience.

Unfortunately, my late teens and early twenties were proof that I need to be an abstainer.

And yes, the desire for alcohol was completely removed the night I decided to follow Christ. Coincidence? I think not!