And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit. ^{Ephesians 5:18}

Though enjoying a cocktail is not a sin, its effects make you ripe for trouble. Of course, there are obvious sinful issues with overt drunkenness. Many have destroyed their lives and the lives of others with a bottle.

For the Christian, there is also a subtle but terribly harmful effect of imbibing that we should understand and avoid. Alcohol can remove your inhibitions, skew your judgment to favor your flesh, and replace your priority to God with your own desires. As you fall back into your old self, your conscience is quieted, and Satan has his way with you. The things you say or do reveal the foolishness and filth of you without God. You dishonor God and destroy your testimony as a disciple of Jesus Christ. A drink too far and the next morning you awake in sick shame, disgust, and guilt over what you said, what you did, and what you became.

Sober speaks of self-control. A sober man is thoughtful and careful in both speech and action and is not inclined to dishonor himself or God. A drunk has little self-control and is a fool in what he does and what he spews out of his mouth. Be wise with alcohol, it is a powerful tool of your adversary!

The apostle Paul gives us a clear goal as we present ourselves to others in the world . . .

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ^{2 Timothy 2:15}

If a drink or two keeps you from being the “unashamed workman” then maybe, you should leave the booze alone! A diet Pepsi with lemon is very nice.

Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again. ^{Proverbs 23:29-35}