How do I handle an invitation to a party where drinks are being served?
Question:
Hi,
I have received a recent invitation to attend a pre-nuptial party. I don't have any objections to the occasion, nor any ill-feeling to the hosts or anything like that. What I am against is that some alcoholic beverages will be served during the party. I'm not sure what to do - either not attend and when asked why I don't attend, I'd tell them the reasons, or I will attend but when the "drinks" will be served that's the time I will object.
What can you suggest how would I point out that their "light" drinking as they say is wrong. They are my workmates and friends. Some of them claim to be Christians. Some are Catholics. A majority of them find no harm to drinking as long as it's moderate. Even their wives do find it harmless. My concern really is how and when would I tell them. Should I rebuke or explain to them publicly, as on this particular occasion, or privately?
Thanks and regards
Answer:
My general rule is when an invitation features drinks as a reason to come, then I don't attend. When I'm asked, I don't make a big deal about the situation, but I explain that when a party is focused on drinks, I don't like to attend because I am a non-drinker. If the party is focused on some other reason, I plan on making a showing. If I see a lot of drinking and carrying on, I greet the hosts but quickly leave. I'll also leave if it is clear that non-alcoholic drinks are an after-thought or if alcoholic drinks are pushed.
Questions will come up about why I choose not to drink, which I happily answer, but I never had to condemn non-Christians for their choices. Instead, if the topic comes up, I reason with others about the reasonableness of choosing to drink and God's position on drinking.
"Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles--when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries" (I Peter 4:1-3).
