Blame On Alcohol: A Reflection on Choices, Intentions, and the Heart

Blame On Alcohol: A Reflection on Choices, Intentions, and the Heart

February 08, 2025

This work blends real-life narratives with biblical insights, inviting readers to reflect on the influence of alcohol—not as an external force that makes us act, but as a catalyst that reveals what already lies within our hearts.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Unmasking the Truth

In the early hours of a Johannesburg morning, a chance encounter changed my perspective on alcohol and its role in human behaviour. While driving, I met a young lady—whom I will call Bae—who was stranded and visibly distressed. Unlike the typical “I’m fine” response, her answer revealed a story of betrayal and self-blame. Her remark, "Alcohol doesn't make us do what we don't wanna do; it rather gives us the courage to do what we have intended to do," ignited a curiosity in me that led to a deeper exploration of alcohol’s true role in our lives.

As I ventured into the e-hailing business, more conversations unfolded. I encountered individuals like Bongi, Gogo, Jules, and DJ—each with their own stories of alcohol’s influence. Through these encounters, I began to see a pattern: alcohol often serves as a mirror, exposing the intentions of the heart rather than being the sole cause of our actions.

In this article, we will journey through these narratives and weigh them against timeless biblical principles. The Bible does not categorically condemn alcohol but warns against excess and a lack of self-control. It invites us to examine our hearts, to recognize our intentions, and to pursue accountability and transformation through Christ.

Chapter 1: The Encounter with Bae – Courage or Concealment?

Narrative:
On that fateful morning in Johannesburg, I picked up Bae—a young lady returning from a club with a heavy heart. When asked how she was, her response broke the routine of polite “I’m fine.” Bae confessed that her best friend had stolen her boyfriend. Despite her friend’s attempt to mitigate the fallout by apologizing and blaming the incident on alcohol, Bae refused to reconcile, insisting that alcohol merely emboldened her to act on what she had already intended. According to Bae, this is the second time her friend did same thing to her, and in same way, blamed it on alcohol.

Biblical Reflection:
The Bible speaks of the human heart and its desires. Jesus warned in Matthew 15:19, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” Bae’s experience reminds us that alcohol does not magically transform our character; it often lowers our inhibitions to reveal what our hearts truly desire. In moments of vulnerability, the influence of alcohol can unmask intentions we might prefer to hide.

Key Questions for Reflection:

Do I sometimes use external circumstances to mask my true intentions?
In what ways might I be accountable for the choices I make when my inhibitions are lowered?

Chapter 2: Bongi’s Bitter Words – When Alcohol Exposes Inner Hatred

Narrative:
Later, I spoke with Bongi, who recounted a distressing incident. While intoxicated, he threatened to kill his colleague—a man he secretly despised for thinking he was superior. Although Bongi denied any premeditation, his actions under the influence of alcohol revealed a deep-seated resentment that lay dormant until courage was given form by his impaired state.

Biblical Reflection:
The Book of Proverbs warns us: “A man of anger stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression” (Proverbs 29:22). Bongi’s experience exemplifies how alcohol can serve as an accelerant for emotions and attitudes that we might otherwise keep in check. It is not the alcohol that creates animosity but the unresolved feelings that find voice in moments of lowered inhibition.

Key Questions for Reflection:

How do I handle feelings of anger or resentment?
What steps can I take to address my inner conflicts before they surface in harmful ways?

Chapter 3: Gogo’s Painful Confession – The Hidden Agendas in Relationships

Narrative:
I also met Gogo, an elderly woman who revealed that her husband had struck her the previous night after a few shots. At first, she was uncertain about the cause—until, after further discussion, she recognized an underlying issue. Gogo had recently brought her cousin into her home due to his accommodation challenge, an act that may have disrupted long-standing familial roles and led her husband to act out in ways he never had before. Her husband had never heard or met this cousin of hers before after decades of marriage, and therefore, doubted the relationship

Biblical Reflection:
Ephesians 4:31-32 counsels us to put away bitterness and to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave us. Gogo’s story is a reminder that relationships are delicate, and that unresolved issues, when combined with external influences like alcohol, can lead to violence and hurt. The Bible calls for honest communication and forgiveness—avenues that can help heal even the deepest of wounds.

Key Questions for Reflection:

Are there underlying issues in my relationships that I have not addressed?
How can I foster honest dialogue and forgiveness in my interactions with loved ones?

Chapter 4: Jules and the Science of Misbehaviour – A Professional’s Perspective

Narrative:
During one conversation, Jules, a pharmacist, shared his decision to abstain from drinking. He explained that alcohol interferes with brain hormones and can trigger misbehaviour. When I quoted Bae’s earlier assertion about alcohol giving courage, Jules paused, reflecting on his experiences and ultimately shifting his perspective. His professional insight reinforced the idea that while alcohol itself does not dictate our actions, it can influence our behaviour in profound ways.

Biblical Reflection:
The Bible urges wisdom and self-control. In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul writes, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything.” Jules’ choice to abstain is a conscious decision to avoid circumstances where his better judgment might be compromised. It is a call to prioritize wisdom and self-discipline over momentary pleasure.

Key Questions for Reflection:

In what areas of my life do I need to exercise more self-control?
How can I seek wisdom to make decisions that align with my values?

Chapter 5: DJ’s Humorous Episode – The Embarrassment of Inauthenticity

Narrative:
Then there was DJ, who stopped drinking two years ago after a memorable yet embarrassing incident. While intoxicated, he was found writing mathematics at an alarming pace, causing his friends to laugh at his frantic behaviour. Although the calculations were mostly correct, his method of writing was a stark reminder of how alcohol can distort our preferred selves. Jules was rather concerned about his public image than the accuracy of his work.

Biblical Reflection:
Jesus taught in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” DJ’s story challenges us to consider how we present ourselves to the world. Authenticity is a reflection of our inner truth. When external influences distort that truth, we risk not only embarrassment but also a misalignment between our actions and our preferred self.

Key Questions for Reflection:

Do I present my authentic self, or do I let external influences shape how I act?
How can I ensure that my actions reflect the person I truly want to be?

Chapter 6: The Heart Over the Substance – A Biblical Call to Self-Examination

Narrative and Reflection:
Through these encounters—with Bae, Bongi, Gogo, Jules, and DJ—I have come to believe that the true issue is not the substance itself but the condition of the heart. Alcohol may lower our inhibitions, but it does not create our underlying intentions. Each story is a testament to the idea that what lies beneath—the unaddressed hurts, the suppressed anger, the unspoken conflicts—is what ultimately drives behaviour.

Biblical Insight:
The Bible teaches that the heart is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 advises, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This verse calls us to examine our inner selves, to seek transformation from within rather than placing blame on external factors. Moderation is key, as 1 Timothy 5:23 even suggests the use of wine for medicinal purposes. Yet, the call to self-control and introspection is clear throughout Scripture.

Key Questions for Reflection:

What unresolved issues in my heart might be influencing my behaviour?
How can I seek genuine transformation rather than simply attributing my actions to external factors?

The Bible does not explicitly forbid Christians from drinking alcohol, but it does provide clear guidelines on how alcohol should be approached. Here are some key biblical perspectives on the matter:

1. Alcohol is Not Forbidden, But Drunkenness is Sin

The Bible acknowledges the existence and use of alcohol, but it warns against excessive drinking.
Ephesians 5:18 – “Do not be drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit.”
Proverbs 20:1 – “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

2. Wine Was Used in Biblical Times

Jesus Himself drank wine and even turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11).
Paul advised Timothy to drink a little wine for his stomach (1 Timothy 5:23).
In the Old Testament, wine was sometimes seen as a blessing (Psalm 104:14-15).

3. But there are Dangers of Alcohol Abuse

The Bible warns about the dangers of excessive drinking, as it can lead to sin and destruction.
Proverbs 23:29-35 describes the negative effects of drinking too much, including strife, sorrow, and addiction.
1 Corinthians 6:10 lists drunkards among those who will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

4. Christian Responsibility and Weak Brethren

Even if drinking in moderation is not a sin, Christians are called to be mindful of how their actions affect others.
Romans 14:21 – “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.”
If drinking alcohol causes another believer to struggle with temptation, it is wise to refrain for their sake

God calls them to exercise wisdom, self-control, and responsibility. If drinking leads to sin, addiction, or causes another believer to stumble, it is best avoided. The key is to seek God's guidance and honour Him in all decisions

NOW THE GOSPEL

Jesus said in Mark 7:15, “There is nothing outside a man that can defile him by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that defiles him.”

What Did Jesus Mean?

Jesus was addressing the Pharisees and scribes who criticized His disciples for eating with unwashed hands, implying that external things (like food or drink) could make a person spiritually impure. Jesus corrected this by teaching that true defilement comes from within—from the heart and the actions that result from it.

Does This Mean Alcohol Is Permitted?

While this passage means that food or drink by itself does not make someone unclean, it does not encourage reckless behaviour. The Bible still warns against drunkenness and lack of self-control (Ephesians 5:18, Proverbs 20:1).

The Key Principle: Heart Over Rituals

Jesus’ main point is that sin comes from within the heart, not from external things. Just as food or drink does not defile a person, neither does merely abstaining from them make someone righteous. What truly matters is a heart surrendered to God.

Author: Rev. Lucky Nduwe-Wike

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