I've made a decision, a very big decision. I did a lot of research and put a lot of thought into it. But I believe this is the right decison for me and until God tells me otherwise, I'm gonna stick with it. Let me start at the beginning... Both my parents grew up in very abusive environments, stemming from their fathers' alcohol addiction. When my parents got saved in their early 20's, they made a firm and unwavering decison never to drink alcohol. And they haven't touched it since. And I think they are awesome for doing that and I respect their stance on that. I have never seen my parents drink, I believe them when they say they haven't since a certain time and I believe with all my heart that they will never again touch alcohol till the day they die. Period. I, on the other hand, grew up in a very conservative-Christian, controlling environment. It has kept me out of alot of trouble and taught me some very good morals. It also caused me a lot of pain and pretty much forced me to moved out of my parents' house. I'm pretty independent and refuse to believe certain things and act a certain way just because my parents do, or just because the church I grew up in tells me so. Ever since I've switched churches and moved out of my parents house, I've become much more open-minded and much less judgemental. I used to think that Christians who drink and/or smoke were bad people. Because that's what I was always told. Then over the past couple years, I've gotten to know some really awesome Christians who did one or both. And not just "cool people who I was kinda sorta friends with." Men and women of God, who helped me in my relationship with God, who are there for me whenever I need them and give wonderful advice when I am hurting or confused. So I decided to do my research. I whipped out my Bible (and not to mention www.biblegateway.com haha) and investigated this. I also talked about it with one good friend in particular who made this point to me: equating drinking with sin involves one's motive. That is, if (as a Christian) your motive for drinking is to get wasted and pukey and gross and try to drown out your problems with alcohol, then THAT is sin. If it turns into abuse and addiction, and that very abuse and addiction hurts other people (which believe me, it always does) then that is sin. The sin lies in addiction: Ephesians 5 15 So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don't be DRUNK with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit. (NLT) Any kind of negative addiction is sinful. An addiction to money and materialism can cause someone to shop impulsively, possibly ruining their credit and thus hurting themselves and those who are directly affected by their actions. An addiction to sex can lead to pornography or sexual abuse--both are sickening and hurt or ruin a family. An addiction to self can cause someone to think they are always right, step on those who disagree and in turn damage a person's soul. The stereotype of drinking is that it causes people to act like idiots and become angry and abusive. But if you drink responsibly; that is, drink not to get wasted but drink because you like it, then it is fine. The Bible says do not be DRUNK with wine. Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine, and they all had some at a wedding and celebrated. And in Deuteronomy 5, God tells his children: 24 "Now when the Lord your God blesses you with a good harvest, the place of worship he chooses for his name to be honored might be too far for you to bring the tithe. 25 If so, you may sell the tithe portion of your crops and herds, put the money in a pouch, and go to the place the Lord your God has chosen. 26 When you arrive, you may use the money to buy any kind of food you want—cattle, sheep, goats, wine, or other alcoholic drink. Then feast there in the presence of the Lord your God and celebrate with your household. But at the same time, let me share a personal experience with you. The first time I ever had enough alcohol to even get a buzz was several months ago. Partially I just wanted to see what it was like and hopefully have some fun, which I did. But a bigger part of me was thinking, "Dude my life is really sucking right now and I'd like to have some alcohol." So I did and it didn't help at all, I just slept really well that night. I drank for the wrong reasons. But on New Years, I drank to celebrate. Its 2007 baby and I was in a really good mood and wanted to have some fun!! And I had an amazing time. I didn't drink and drive, I didn't have a hangover the next morning and I remember everything that happened that night. It was great. And I do want to put in a side note. I also had some really fun SOBER fun that evening. I don't drink just so I can have a good time. Some of the most fun I've had is with me and my friends-completely sober, and doing nothing illegal (except maybe breaking some noise ordinances). I don't drink too often because I want it to be for special occasions. Also, some of you are sitting here saying, "Dude, Jess you are only 20 years old, that's illegal." True, but there are alot of stupid laws out there. There are plenty of people who are old enough to drink and do so very irresponsibly. But still, it's the law and God put us in submission to authorities (Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.) Therefore I have decided not to drink again until my 21st birthday which is in November. Now, I know alot of you are going to disagree with this post. And I want to hear your feedback. I'm not trying to force my opinion about this down your throat, I just wanted to tell you why I have decided to do this. Some of you may be disappointed, and I'm prepared for that. Others may think that they are a better, more mature Christian than I am because they don't drink but I really hope that is not the case. And some of you may completely agree with me. Either way, let me know what you think. | 
