“Is it proper for a Christian to work in a business selling alcoholic beverages?”

May 2016 – Grace & Truth Magazine

QUESTION: Is it proper for a Christian to own, manage or work in a business that serves or sells alcoholic beverages? If not, what should a person do who becomes a Christian when involved in this kind of business?

ANSWER: This is first of all a question for the conscience of the individual who has become a Christian and desires to know whether he should continue in the business in which he (or she) has been involved before his conversion. When the Lord met Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus in Acts 9, Saul’s first question was “Who are you, Lord?” (v.5 NKJV ). His next question was, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” (v.6). Doubtless, God recorded these questions for our instruction in righteousness.

God’s Word makes it plain that when a person is saved he has accepted Jesus as Lord. The epistle to the Galatians teaches us that as Christians our lives are not to be governed by law, but by grace. Law here does not apply only to the law of Moses, but it includes the principle of law. We are not to be making laws for one another either. Romans 14 and other passages teach us that there are things that we may do with a good conscience before God, but if we know that these would make our Christian brother or sister to stumble it would be better that we abstain from using our liberty.

This Scripture specifically mentions wine, an alcoholic beverage. During Bible times wine was a common table beverage. In John 2 our Lord Jesus made a large quantity of wine when the wine at a wedding feast had run out. We know that He never sinned, but He always did that which pleased God the Father who had sent Him into the world. Timothy was told in 1 Timothy 5:23 that he should no longer drink only water, but he should use a little wine for his stomach’s sake and his frequent infirmities. A drink offering of wine was essential to every burnt offering. Proverbs 31:6-7 commends wine and strong drink for other specific purposes. Thus, God’s Word shows us plainly that there are some good uses for alcoholic beverages.

But verses 4-5 of Proverbs 31 show us some of the results of the misuse of wine. There are also many other passages throughout God’s Word that warn us against misusing alcoholic beverages. Scripture speaks strongly against drunkenness. Practical experience teaches us that some people are very weak in respect to alcoholic beverages; it is difficult for them to exercise self-control and therefore easy to become drunkards. Such people should use wisdom and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages altogether.

In 1 Corinthians 7:24 we are taught that every man should remain in the state, or position, in which he was when God saved him. But notice, the verse says, “Let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.” Can the person who sent in our question remain with God in a business serving or selling alcoholic beverages? If so, let him remain there with God. If not, let him ask the Lord to provide another occupation for Him, not being hesitant to seek another position or occupation.

The chapters that follow speak clearly about the danger of continuing on with something that one knows to be hurtful to a brother or that is just plain wrong. Could you imagine the Lord doing this? I should want to walk with my Lord in a way that would draw others to Him, and would want to avoid hurting or stumbling my fellow Christians. Romans 14:23 ends with the strong statement that “whatever is not from faith is sin.”

The story is told of a Scotsman who asked his wife whether he could again wear a shirt he had already worn the previous Lord’s Day. Her answer was, “If it’s doubtful, it’s dirty!” May we seek to honor the Lord in all our ways, even when it is costly!

Answered by .Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.