I am saddened by what happened to one of very influential Christian leaders in this generation recently. He was pastoring a “mega” church and respected by so many young pastors but fired by his church due to his alcohol abuse.
The church’s executive pastors have confronted him and applied Matt. 18 principles dealing with his sin and yet the pastor had made “unfortunate choices” connected to alcohol. Thus, he was removed as of July 1st of this year.
Reading this news got me to worry about this generation Christians and spiritual leaders. I have witnessed pastors, elders and deacons drinking not just a glass of wine and a can of beer but hard liquor. It seems the view of alcohol has changed dramatically among evangelicals. I am not saying consumption of alcoholic beverage is sin but keep in mind that the openness to to alcohol invites danger – alcohol abuse and alcoholism. No one thinks that the problems associated with alcohol will ever happen to him or her.
I don’t drink alcohol not because I believe it is sin or because it is wrong as a pastor. I choose not to drink because I believe it is not helpful to others. I am weak to begin with and I don’t need to any an practice that might hinder others in anyway. Apostle Paul said in 1 Cor. 10:23, “‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up” (ESV). If it is beneficial to others … I am willing to sacrifice a bit of my “freedom”.
Let me share a good article concerning alcoholic beverages by the President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.
http://swbts.edu/news/releases/first-person-concerning-alcoholic-beverages/
Not just about alcoholism but any addiction should be something spiritual leaders must be mindful of.
Lord, help us!