Is It Wrong for Christians to Get a Little Drunk
Why even small compromises can pull us away from the fullness of God.
A young Christian teenager recently posed a sincere question many believers wrestle with “Is it wrong if I get a little drunk sometimes? Not blackout drunk, just a little buzzed for fun or to help with some pain.” It’s a question that touches on legality, wisdom, and the heart’s desire to draw closer to God. At first glance, it might seem harmless, but when we examine Scripture and God’s design for our joy, a clearer picture emerges.
First, it’s encouraging that this young man’s desire is to grow closer to God. James 4:8 gives a beautiful promise “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” God delights in those who pursue Him. But that’s precisely why questions like this deserve careful thought. If our goal is intimacy with God, then every choice should serve that purpose not hinder it.
A Clear Mind is Central to Closeness with God
At the heart of the issue is the value God places on clarity, alertness, and wisdom. The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5:18, “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” This isn’t just a rule to follow; it reveals a principle about how we approach life as believers.
The verses leading up to this command emphasize watchfulness:
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead.”
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.”
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
“Understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Every one of these instructions calls believers to be fully awake, careful, and wise in their thinking. Drunkenness even a little dulls our mental and spiritual faculties. It blurs the sharpness God desires in us for discerning His will and for enjoying Him fully.
The Holy Spirit Sharpens, Not Dulls
Some religions suggest that altered states of mind bring spiritual enlightenment. But Christianity has always rejected this approach. God doesn’t draw near to us through substances that cloud our minds. Instead, the Holy Spirit sharpens our thinking, deepens our understanding, and draws us into clearer awareness of God’s presence.
As John 16:13 teaches, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” The Spirit doesn’t numb us into closeness with God; He awakens us to it.
Why Flirting with Sin Is Dangerous
The heart of the question is not simply whether it’s sinful to get a little drunk, but whether it’s wise. When we ask, “How close can I get to sin without crossing the line?” we’re already aiming in the wrong direction. The real question for someone who wants to grow in Christ is, “How can I pursue what most honors God and deepens my joy in Him?”
Consider the warning in Galatians 5:19–21, where drunkenness appears alongside other destructive sins that lead people away from God’s kingdom. Even if one avoids serious outward consequences, the inward compromise matters deeply. When we allow ourselves “just a little” envy, anger, or impurity, we’re allowing footholds that weaken our spiritual sensitivity. The same applies to drunkenness.
Drunkenness Dulls More Than Just Judgment
While many think of drunkenness only in terms of legal trouble or extreme behavior, its spiritual consequences are far more serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol contributes to 178,000 deaths annually in the U.S. and is involved in 32% of all fatal car accidents. But beyond the statistics, even mild intoxication begins to dull our faculties the very tools God gave us to treasure Him, make wise decisions, and live fruitfully.
When Paul urges believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit instead of wine, he is offering a better alternative a filling that leads to clarity, joy, and vibrant fellowship with God.
Pursuing Maximum Joy, Not Minimum Sin
The Christian life isn’t about seeing how much we can get away with. It's about pursuing the richest, fullest joy that comes from walking closely with God. Psalm 16:11 says, “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Why settle for fleeting earthly pleasures when God offers eternal ones?
If you’re asking how much you can safely indulge, you’re asking the wrong question. Instead, ask, “How can I be as full of the Holy Spirit as possible?” God’s Spirit brings far deeper peace and satisfaction than alcohol or any substance ever could.
A Practical Encouragement
For any believer young or old facing this question, the path forward is one of wisdom and submission to God’s better plan. Rather than measuring how close you can get to sin, pursue what stirs your affection for Christ. Fill your life with His Word, prayer, Christian fellowship, and service. Lean into the Spirit’s guidance and experience the joy of a mind and heart fully awake to His beauty.
1 Peter 1:13 offers a fitting final word: “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
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Reply
Annie Cramphorn • 8 hours ago
Very helpful article! I always like your citations of where the scriptures confirming these beliefs as well. Thank you!
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