I have thought about this question lately and feel like for me it is better to abstain from alcohol. Not only am I supposed to be alert and watching, it's the other folks that are watching me that would be influenced negativly if they saw me drinking alcohol. As a proclaimed desciple for Christ I should set the example. The other thing is the Holy Spirit leads me not to partake as I would feel guilty if I did, so therefore as far as I am concerned then yes, it would be a sin.

Is it a sin to play russian roulette with one empty chamber?

Is it a sin to step in front of a moving train?

Is it a sin to grab a rattle snake by the tail?

I find it extremely unlikely that Paul would have encouraged his brother in Christ, Timothy, to drink a little wine for his stomach IF wine were evil. If there were one verse in our guide for life, the Holy Scriptures, that said that believers should not partake of wine under any circumstances, the case for abstinence would be open and shut. Can alcohol be the cause of sin? I suggest that the answer is "no." The abuse of alcohol is sin. To say that alcohol is evil because the ABUSE of alcohol is sin is tantamount to saying that chocolate chip cookies are evil because they can lead to gluttony.

I believe we become guilty of legalism if we say it is wrong. However, I have lived in a home environment without alcohol and it was the best childhood I could have ever experienced. As an adult being married to man who does drink at times, I find it alters his ability to be someone I admire and respect. The alcohol alters his personality and makes him crave the effects it creates in him. Although he does not do this often or openly, we have children and other Christian friends who are watching and learning from his habits. I believe a Christian should aspire to be Godly and abstain from things that would cause a neighbor to stumble. Therefore, we should not judge others, nor should we encourage them in habits which could cause others to stumble.

Heard this some time ago...stuck with me. Certainly worth thinking about.

"MAN takes a drink. DRINK takes a drink. DRINK takes a man.

Heard this once and it stuck with me.

MAN takes a drink. DRINK takes a drink. DRINK takes a man.

Something to think about.

We are to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit and we should have the mind of Christ. Why would anyone want to alter that with alcohol? How does bending your elbow with a glass of wine or a can of beer glorify the Lord? Is God not enough? Why do you need to drink? To relax? Get in His Presence and all you need will be met there without having to get "buzzed." What it comes down to is that people do not want to follow the road to holiness - and holiness means to be set apart and sanctified. If you have to hide to drink (as a Christian) then perhaps, just perhaps, you feel the Holy Spirit saying, "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink." Proverbs 31:4 But if you consider yourself lower than a king or prince, go ahead and drink and live under your privileges as a child of God.

Check out Romans 14 and especially note verse 22.

Romans 14:22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves.

In response to the question "Is it a sin to grab a rattle snake by the tail?", some would argue that one who will not grab a rattlesnake by the tail lacks faith, and they would use the last chapter of Mark to support this. I'm not a member of this group.

If you believe in God then God made marijuana and man invented beer. Whom would you trust?