Should I take a position that may involve serving alcohol?
Question:
Hi,
I work at a grocery store and am about to begin my training for a promotion. This promotion will involve various new tasks, such as closing the store, opening and working in customer service, handling cash, and, my main concern, working in our coffee and alcohol section. I personally do not drink and am learning about what the Bible has to say about alcohol.
For some context on the section, it is not your typical bar. There are also smoothies and coffee there, and most people will grab a drink, do their shopping, and leave. It's not mixing drinks or bartending; it's more so handing someone a cup of wine or beer and leaving it there.
My question is: Would it be okay to work in this section? I am leaning toward "no" because I don't think I should put up that image, and that's not for a performative reason, but to keep in mind how I represent myself as a Christian and how I bear the image of Christ.
I was talking to someone about it, and they were saying how at the wedding, Jesus provided the wine. However, I am aware of the differences in the wine compared to today. This is still one point this person made.
Overall, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this point and the reasons I should not work in this section. I still plan to talk to my manager to see if it's an option to learn it without working my shifts in this department. If that's not an option, what are your thoughts? Should I not take the promotion?
Answer:
The word "wine" in the New Testament is a generic term referring to any product made from grape juice. By itself, you cannot determine whether alcohol was involved or not. See:
- Did Jesus Make Alcoholic Wine?
- Why do you say that the wine at the marriage feast in Cana was grape juice?
You are correct that you need to consider your reputation as a Christian, as you represent the Lord to the world around you. Jobs that require supplying products that would be wrong for a Christian to use would be wrong because we cannot promote sinful behavior.
Talk to your manager and explain that you have religious limitations on what you can do. If accommodations can't be made, I would personally decline the position.
