Yet God has promised that whenever we meet temptation, He will provide a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). For anyone easily drawn into uncontrolled drinking, the way of escape is total abstinence. Because a little alcohol might be enough to get him started on the road to alcoholism, God in His Word advises him against drinking even in moderation.

Three considerations demonstrate that this same standard is appropriate for everyone, not just for potential alcoholics. First, there is no certain way of telling who is a potential alcoholic. Second, God wishes the fellowship of believers to be a refuge from companions who drink and who encourage drinking. The brother prone to alcoholism finds it much easier to remain firm in total abstinence when this is the practice of all Christians. Third, anyone who drinks even a little alcohol immediately suffers a degree of intoxication, with resulting impairment of the body and dulling of moral inhibition...