Dry January is My Normal State of Affairs

Summary

The author of the article adopted a teetotaler lifestyle in college after recognizing the negative effects of alcohol on their life and aligning with their Christian beliefs.

Abstract

The author describes their personal journey with alcohol, beginning with irresponsible drinking in college that led to getting drunk and feeling unwell. Realizing that the social benefits of drinking did not outweigh the costs, they decided to quit alcohol entirely. The decision was further influenced by Christian teachings, which emphasize the moderate enjoyment of alcohol as a gift from God, yet strongly caution against its abuse and drunkenness. The author notes biblical references that support the responsible use of alcohol for health, such as Paul's advice to Timothy, but also highlights verses that condemn overindulgence and drunkenness, such as those found in Ephesians and Proverbs. The commitment to sobriety is also tied to the author's desire to live a life that glorifies God. Over time, the author has become comfortable with their choice, finding that it allows for greater authenticity and the ability to be a designated driver, among other benefits.

Opinions

The author believes that alcohol should be used responsibly and in moderation, as endorsed by the Bible.
They express a personal dislike for the feeling of being drunk and the subsequent aftereffects.
The author disagrees with the interpretation that Jesus turned water into grape juice, asserting that the context suggests it was wine.
They advocate for the medicinal use of alcohol, as indicated by Paul's advice to Timothy to drink a little wine for his stomach ailments.
The author emphasizes that abusing alcohol is not in line with biblical teachings and that getting drunk is considered wickedness.
They feel that their choice to abstain from alcohol is an integral part of their identity and aligns with their faith and personal values.
The author values authenticity and sees their teetotalism as a positive aspect of their life, celebrating it with non-alcoholic beverages.

After getting drunk a few times in college, I decided to quit

If you drink responsibly, that’s great, but I didn’t drink responsibly. When I started drinking in college at parties, I didn’t stop at one or two celebratory drinks.

When I drank, I got drunk, and I didn’t like the process or how I felt the morning after.

It didn’t take long before I realized that drinking to fit in wasn’t worth it. So, instead of trying to impress people I wouldn’t remember a few days later, I decided to stop using a substance that was nothing but trouble for me.

Another part of the reason I decided to ditch drinking had to do with Christianity. After becoming a Christian in college, I considered the Bible’s stance on alcohol.

Alcohol, usually in the form of wine, is a gift God meant for people to use and enjoy. After all, Jesus’ first recorded miracle was turning water into wine.

I heard Michelle Duggar of 19 Kids and Counting reality TV fame claim that Jesus turned the water into grape juice. But the context doesn’t support that interpretation.

In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul issues another endorsement of alcohol. He admonishes his protege Timothy, “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses” (New International Version). But notice that Paul advocates using a LITTLE wine for medicinal purposes.

The problem is that many people don’t stop at using and enjoying a little wine. Like me, they abuse alcohol. (Abuse means “away from use.”)

Abusing alcohol is where the Bible draws the line.

The most famous anti-drunkenness verse is from Ephesians 5:18: “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him” (Amplified Bible).

Proverbs 23:31–32 also cautions about getting mesmerized by wine: “Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.” (New International Version)

Another Bible verse that sped up my decision to stop drinking was 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (English Standard Version).

I love to eat and regularly over-indulge, so I haven’t lived up to the eating part of that verse. I couldn’t stop eating entirely, but I could stop drinking. As for doing everything for the glory of God, that’s a lifelong process. But I knew the way I drank to get drunk wasn’t giving God glory.

When I first adopted my alcohol ban in college, avoiding alcohol felt strange. If someone offered me a drink, I politely declined. Afraid that I or my host would feel awkward, I avoided announcing that I didn’t drink at all.

These days, I’m more comfortable in my own skin and I don’t feel out of place when I’m around people who are drinking. In fact, I’m sometimes more valuable because I can be a designated driver.

If someone offers me a glass of wine or another alcoholic beverage, I smile and say, “No thanks, I don’t drink alcohol.”

I’m not judging anyone; I’m just making a statement. After all these years, being a teetotaler is part of the package of who I am.

Authenticity is worth celebrating with a cup of cheer. In my case, that cup of cheer will be non-alcoholic.