Drunken Master

Relevant Bible Verses

1) Romans 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.

2) 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

3) 1 Corinthians 10:23 Everything is permissible" — but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible" — but not everything is constructive.

Chinese martial art (kung fu) movies are very entertaining and relaxing to watch. You do not need a lot of thinking, analysis and guessing who the murderer is or what "she did last summer". In most of these kung fu movies, the lead actor will normally start off with either being poor or being ostracised by the society. He will eventually end up being the hero. I can understand, just like other self-defence martial arts (eg. Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Judo, etc.) that the trainings are strenuous and need ones tremendous discipline and determination.

However, one particular Chinese kung fu movie still marvels me till today is Drunken Master. Somehow when the martial artist fights with the methodological movements of "Zui Quan" (drunken fist), the fighting style emulates drunken behavior and he can actually fight better with power under the influence of alcohol. It does not make sense as research has found that the movements of a person are impaired under the influence of alcohol. In any case, it is still fun to watch the drunken master fights, swaying from left to right, trying to balance himself at the sametime.

If we extend this philosopy by imitating the drunken master's secret of success, then literally consuming alcohol may be the way to victory in spiritual warfare. Then, as children of God we should continue to consume alcohol and be drunk with alcohol. The end justifies the means. Let's see what the Bible has got to say about this.

When I studied the Bible about this, I was surprised to find that Jesus and the disciples may have consumed wine. I further noticed that no verse in the Bible that says drinking wine or alcohol is not lawful. But the above verses have very clear stance on drunkenness. So the question is whether or not it is acceptable for modern Christians to drink alcohol in moderation, as long as we don't get drunk.

When I was a younger Christian, alcohol was not really an issue because i did not like alcohol (be it liquor, wine or beer) at all. Over time, I have acquired the liking for wine. A cold beer can also be refreshing on a hot summer day. A few months later, I also acquired the liking for liqour as well. In fact the liquor had better kick than wine or beer due to the higher content of alcohol. It seemed like I was moving from the lower alcohol content drink to a higher alcohol content drink. Invariably, the next logical step after liquor would be the forbidden drunkenness (Eph 5:18). Once you are in the state of drunkenness, your judgement will be impaired and you are very likely to commit some acts of the sinful nature (Gal 5:19-21). You may even end up being a stumbling block to others.

I am not going to say that drinking alcohol is wrong. Although everything is permissible, but not everything is constructive (1 Cor 10:23). But if drinking causes us to be a stumbling block to others, then we better think again if we should continue to drink, even in moderation. "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak" (1 Cor 8:9). So, let us do whatever that are encouraging, "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy" (Phil 4:8). As believers, all our actions ought to be done for the building up of the body of Christ (iron sharpens iron) and not tearing down.

"Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way." (Hebrews 13:18)