I have never had a sip of alcohol. This is a personal choice for us; one
that did not need contemplating. My family has a terrible past involving
alcohol and drugs. Out of those addictions flow violence, abuse, suicide
attempts, depression, and a broken family. I have seen the destructive effects
of alcohol on my family. In light of all this, I knew I did not want it a part
of my life, and I specifically prayed for a man who would feel the same.

As a Christian my perspective changed. My decision not to drink alcohol
began as a personal choice derived from my family history, but then grew into a
spiritual decision for me.

The way the world portrays alcohol conflicts with scripture. The world
associates alcohol with partying and getting drunk, encouraging partakers that
it takes away all your problems. As a
Christian, I am supposed to be different from the world. I do not want to
participate in something that can begin entirely innocent, but evolve into so
much more. I want my life to be
completely different from those of my unsaved friends. I want my life to be
above reproach. 

Where scripture leaves principles vague and somewhat open to our interpretation,
we ask ourselves if it will benefit us. We do not believe that having a
glass of wine or any alcoholic beverage on occasion is wrong. We do believe
that the Bible clearly speaks against being drunk: “But watch yourselves lest
your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this
life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap” (Luke 21:34). “Wine is a
mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise”
(Proverbs 20:1).

The problem arises when Christians drink irresponsibly, and cause unbelievers
and other Christians to stumble. In families where drinking became a
destructive force in the past, the likelihood of developing the same problems
increases. I do not know what everyone struggles with, I do not know what their
past looks like, and I do not always know their personal decisions. I would
never want to put others in a situation that could cause them to feel
uncomfortable or compromised in any way. I do not want the decision of me
drinking to be someone else’s stumbling block. Because we represent Christ we want to make decisions for our family
with caution.

Drinking is a controversial issue in the church, and a personal decision.
Alcohol can be consumed responsibly, but one should weigh several factors
before choosing to drink, keeping in mind that they represent Christ. We
deliberately choose not to be an obstacle in the lives of others. So many
people struggle with alcohol addictions – why add to their struggle? Refraining
from alcohol helps us to effectively live our lives above reproach.

To my children: You will one day reach
a legal drinking age, and will be presented with the same decision in your
life. I believe that you will consider the matter in a spiritual perspective
and weigh your own thoughts and opinions. I believe that you will remember the
principle, “everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial” and
allow it to guide you in your decision making. If you choose to drink, I
believe you will do so responsibly as not to be a stumbling block and consider
others in your decision. We believe you will not disrespect or think
differently of those who do drink, nor think of our family as better for
neither is true. We pray you will see our hearts, and understand why we have
chosen this path as a family, and respect the decisions we have made in guiding
our family.