When I turned 21, I didn’t drink alcohol. I actually don’t drink now. Honestly, I don’t feel super comfortable with the idea of drinking, and I don’t feel confident that I could stop drinking once I start. I mean, how much is too much? What would my cutoff point be? Would I become addicted to it? Though I may drink alcohol at some time in my life, these kinds of questions have kept me from drinking it up to this point.
You might be thinking, “But the Bible doesn’t tell us not to drink alcohol. Even Jesus drank alcohol! You’re such a killjoy, Grace.”
I’m aware that the Bible permits us to drink alcohol and that Jesus drank alcohol, so I’m not saying it’s sinful. I’m simply saying it’s important to evaluate your why. If you want to drink alcohol on your 21st birthday because you want to conform to the culture and/or impress your friends and/or get drunk, I encourage you to choose one of these fun alternatives:
1. Have a coffee bar or a mocktail bar.
I would be thrilled to celebrate a friend’s 21st birthday by drinking coffee—especially if it was iced coffee. (Just saying.) Whether you choose a coffee bar or a mocktail bar, go all out! Embrace your decision to do something different. Serving non-alcoholic drinks like coffee and mocktails is a tasteful way to celebrate.
2. Host a game night.
Spending time with your family and friends as you play board games or card games is another great way to celebrate your 21st birthday. Invite as many people as you have room for and play as many games as you have time for! I’m confident you’ll create better memories playing games in your living room than drinking martinis at a bar.
3. Go to a fancy restaurant.
At Christmastime, my family chooses a nice restaurant to go to for dinner. It’s so fun to eat a delicious meal together in a classy atmosphere (and no one in my family orders alcohol). I highly recommend celebrating your 21st birthday in this way. Choose a fancy restaurant you’ve always wanted to go to, wear an elegant outfit, and order something special.
Closing Thoughts
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18 NASB1995)
Dissipation—the opposite of uprightness—isn’t a positive thing. While I realize drinking alcohol isn’t a sin, getting drunk definitely is. Trying to please people can be too. Drinking on your 21st birthday because you don’t want people to think you’re a weirdo isn’t a good enough reason to drink.
Friends, I’m not saying I’m a better Christian because I don’t drink alcohol. There are so many ways I need to grow in my faith. I simply don’t want you to ignore your God-given convictions. And I promise you can still have fun on your 21st birthday without drinking alcohol.
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