Billy Graham Answers: What’s Wrong With a Few Drinks?

The topic of alcohol will split the Christian community in two as sides debate complete abstinence verses moderation.  

Famous pastors such as Perry Noble and Clayton Jennings have fallen due to alcohol abuse.  

One person asked Billy Graham: “I wish my wife would get off my back. She says I need to get treatment for my drinking, but I can stop any time I want to. What’s wrong with a few drinks, anyway?” 

Graham responded: 

What’s wrong in your case is obvious: your drinking is clearly interfering with your life and your marriage. If it weren’t, your wife wouldn’t be so concerned—but she loves you and she is concerned about you, and she hates what alcohol is doing to you.

But something else is wrong in your case: alcohol is distorting your judgment by making you believe something that simply isn’t true. You say you can stop at any time—but why don’t you? I suspect the real reason is because you can’t; you’ve become too dependent on alcohol to see you through. Instead of facing your problems, you find it easier to dull your mind and avoid dealing with them. In reality, however, you’re only making your situation worse. The Bible warns, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is deceived by it is not wise” (Prov. 20:1).

Don’t misunderstand me, however, or assume I’m only trying to make you feel guilty—because I’m not. The most important truth I can tell you is this: God loves you, and He wants to help you. This is why I urge you to face honestly your need to overcome your alcoholism, and seek God’s help.

Begin by asking Jesus Christ to come into your life—and He will. He’ll not only erase the past, but He’ll give you a new love for others and a new desire to live as you should. And if you need professional help to deal with your problems, ask Him to guide you to the right program in your community. May God bless you. {eoa}