WHY I DON’T DRINK — AND WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO THINK TWICE

Let’s start with the obvious: the Bible doesn’t say drinking is a sin. But let’s not play games—if you’re serious about living set apart, making an impact, and keeping your edge razor sharp, you don’t mess around with something God mostly warns you about.

Roughly 70% of the verses on alcohol in scripture are negative. That’s not a coincidence. That’s a caution sign blinking in red—yet too many of us treat it like it’s just a yellow light.

My Grandparents’ Legacy

When my grandmother gave her life to Jesus in 1971, everything changed. At the time, she and my grandfather owned a bar. That’s right—alcohol was literally their livelihood. But when they surrendered their lives to Christ, they didn’t just change what they believed—they changed how they lived.

They made the bold decision to sell the bar. Immediately. Why? Because they didn’t want to put in someone’s hand what they knew God had just removed from their heart. It cost them financially, but it honored God completely. That moment left a mark on our family.

You see, alcoholism has run rampant in our bloodline. I knew the generational curse had to stop. When I made the decision to follow Jesus, I chose to never touch alcohol. Not because of some denominational rule, but because of a deep, relational conviction. I knew my personality. I knew my vulnerabilities. And I wasn’t about to crack the door open for something that could tear down everything God was trying to build in me.

THE BIBLE KEEPS THROWING RED FLAGS

Proverbs 20:1 declares, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler.” Translation: Alcohol talks trash and throws punches. You really wanna get jumped by your drink?

Proverbs 23:29-35 – Ever see someone drunk make wise decisions? Didn’t think so. The Bible says you’ll wake up beat down, and won’t even know what hit you.

Isaiah 5:11 – God literally says “Woe” to those who chase after drinks. That’s Bible-speak for “This is going to end badly.”

DRUNKENNESS IS A HARD NO

Ephesians 5:18 declares, “Do not get drunk… but be filled with the Spirit.” Pick a spirit—the bottle or the Holy Ghost. You don’t get both.

Galatians 5:21 – Drunkenness is listed right next to witchcraft and orgies. If that doesn’t make you flinch, your conscience might be on life support.

IF IT CAUSES OTHERS TO TRIP, DROP IT

Romans 14:21 reminds us, “It is better not to… drink wine or do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.” If your drink causes someone else to stumble, you’re not being free—you’re being selfish. We’re called to lift others up, not drag them down with us.

YOU WEREN’T BUILT TO BLEND IN

1 Peter 1:16 – “Be holy, because I am holy.” Not “be cool,” not “just have one.” Holy means different. Set apart. Unapologetically bold.

Leviticus 10:9-10 – God told His priests: no alcohol in His presence. Why? Because it dulls discernment. Today, you are the priest. You don’t need a drink—you need clarity.

THE TRUTH? YOU’RE BETTER WITHOUT IT

Let’s be real: Alcohol adds zero value to your spiritual life. No one’s testimony ever starts with, “That tequila shot really brought me closer to Jesus.”

You don’t need a buzz—you need boldness. You don’t need a glass—you need grit. Jesus didn’t die for you to flirt with something that’s destroyed more families, futures, and faith journeys than we’ll ever know.

BOTTOM LINE: DON’T PLAY WITH WHAT GOD MOSTLY WARNED YOU ABOUT

If 70% of scripture says “watch out,” and you’re still justifying it—you’re not being edgy, you’re being reckless.

So, if you want to stand out…

If you want to lead well…

If you want to keep your edge…

Stay sober. Stay sharp. Stay set apart.

You don’t need alcohol to live full.

You need the Holy Spirit—and He doesn’t share space with cheap substitutes.