I need your help. If you can explain the following, please let me know. It really has me stumped.
[img_assist|nid=6111|title=Jeff Iorg, President Golden Gate Seminary|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=80|height=100]Recently, I heard a wonderful testimony of a believer who had overcome his struggle with alcohol.
He told the story of how he initially got involved with alcohol, how it became more and more of a problem, the high price he paid in lost relationships and health struggles, and the victory he finally won through prayer, counseling, and tough choices.
He concluded by declaring he would never touch alcohol again.
When he finished, he received a nice ovation – deservedly so. It is always good to hear a touching story of redemption and recovery.
Shortly thereafter, I was part of another conversation in which a person told a different story.
She reported she had never had a drink of alcohol; having decided at an early age drinking made no sense on any level.
She also concluded by declaring she would never touch alcohol. But the response to the second person was quite different than the first.
The second person was called a “legalist” who “doesn’t understand the social value” of sharing alcoholic beverages with other adults.
This makes no sense to me.
An alcoholic makes a decision to abstain. A teetotaler makes the same decision, only without the negative consequences. One is called a legalistic.
The other is celebrated. Am I the only one finds this ridiculous double standard laughable?
I occasionally attend functions where alcohol is served. If I say “No thanks, I don’t drink alcohol,” the response is usually barbed humor at my narrowness.
But if I were to say, “No thanks, I am a recovering alcoholic” the response would be supportive understanding!
This is not some theory. I have seen this played out over and over again in numerous social settings.
If anyone can explain the hypocrisy of this to me, it would be appreciated.
In the meantime, if you are an abstainer – stop apologizing. It’s okay to quit drinking before you start and save yourself the hassle of recovery!