Is it alright for a Christian to smoke and drink? Kirk Cameron has some thoughts on the topic.
“For many of us, honoring the Lord meant you didn’t touch alcohol, you didn’t smoke…so imagine my surprise when I come to Tennessee and I meet strong, Bible-loving, family-protecting, patriotic Christian men who have no problem at all pouring a good glass of whiskey, lighting up a cigar and talking about the Lord,” he said in a recent YouTube video.
Cameron explained that there is “a lot” about alcohol in the Bible, saying, “It warns us clearly not to get drunk. It warns us not to be mastered by anything. But it does not say, ‘Thou shalt never drink.’”
The GROWING PAINS actor pointed to Bible stories, such as the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine, as well as wine signifying Jesus’ blood at the Last Supper and in the communion sacrament.
However, Cameron urged viewers to use “wisdom and discernment” when it comes to deciding whether or not they should partake in these practices.
“Before I put anything into my body by smoking it, drinking it, I should ask, ‘Does this help me honor God?’” he said. “And that question doesn’t just apply to whiskey and cigars; it should apply to your diet — sodas, candy, Doritos, donuts, Red Bull, endless video games, sleepless nights, laziness…the issue is stewardship of what God has given you.”
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Cameron continued, “The question is not merely, ‘Am I allowed to do this?’ The better question is, ‘Is this wise? Is this loving? Is this helpful? Can I do this with gratitude to God? And could I gladly give it up if love required me to?’ That’s where the rubber meets the road.”
So, what’s Cameron’s conclusion?
“Can a Christian drink alcohol? Yes, with wisdom, with self-control, with gratitude and a clear conscience,” the actor said.
Should Christians drink alcohol?
Cameron’s opinion is echoed by many others who have delved into the topic. In a post from Focus on the Family, the website states, “Scripture prohibits drunkenness, not drinking. If a Christian chooses to consume alcohol, they should do so with moderation and self-control.”
In an episode of CHURCH ON THE MOVE, they recommended asking yourself certain questions before drinking or smoking, such as “Is it making me my best self?,” “Does it benefit the community I’m in?” and “Am I looking to a substance for comfort?”
“One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. A life deeper and more connected to Christ would be a life with more self-control, not less,” they concluded.
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