Why is drunkenness sinful? That’s a fair question. Sometimes, I think we view the commands of God like that cranky dad who barks out an order: “Just do as I say!” without any rhyme or reason. We need to remember, however, that the law of God is holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12). Did you catch that? The law is good! God isn’t trying to be a killjoy in any of his commands.

It was April 10, 2004 and I was living in Biloxi, Mississippi where I was training with the United States Air Force. It was also my twenty-first birthday. Of course, when my friends found out they planned a night of heavy drinking. Up to that point in my life I had never had a sip of alcohol. I was raised with the wrong idea that Christians don’t drink. But on that night, in my new found freedom, I cast aside all hesitation. My first round of drinks was from a bottle of seventy proof whiskey. That was soon followed by more drinks than I can now recall. Admittedly, the alcohol caught up with me and I spent the early morning hours bent over the porcelain throne covered in the stink and stench of my own vomit.

That’s not an amusing story. It’s pitiful. I was training in an environment that valued honor and commanded respect. But there’s absolutely nothing honorable or respectful about being drunk. Let’s be honest. No one wants engraved on their headstone: “Here lies a drunk.” I don’t think anyone wants their enduring legacy to be centered on intoxication. And while it might make for a funny country song, no one is going to put on top of their résumé: “I’m pretty good at drinking beer.” Common sense seems to teach that drunkenness isn’t a virtue.

It would be saying too much to say that the Bible forbids or even condemns drinking alcohol. Unlike the religions of this world — Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc — biblical Christianity doesn’t teach that drinking alcohol is sinful. In fact, shocking as it might sound to some, the Bible recognizes the blessing and value of alcohol.

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