Drinking & Smoking
Should Christians drink alcohol at all?
This is primarily a social issue, not a biblical one. In Scripture we find no prohibition for drinking except under specific vows. In fact, the Law recommends drinking at times, Deuteronomy 14:26 "And you may spend the money for whatever your heart desires, for oxen, or sheep, or wine, or strong drink, or whatever your heart desires; and there you shall eat in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household." This directive was given to those who had paid their tithe to the Levitical system. The directives against drinking are in relation to excess, times of special worship, and in the case of a Nazirite vow.
In many cultures drinking wine is considered a part of each evening meal. The abuse of alcohol should be our greatest concern today. One other statement to consider is Paul's recommendation to abstain from wine and certain foods to avoid offending. Romans 14:21 "It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or [to do anything] by which your brother stumbles." He does not set up a moral standard, but a love standard for those who would care about easily offended, weak brothers. Note that he broadens his directive to include "anything by which your brother stumbles." His point is not to prohibit certain foods or alcohol, but to call believers to love the weak.
Is getting drunk a sin or just a bad social decision?
Getting drunk is considered foolish and something to be avoided by believers. Note Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. It is clear that God sees this as a matter of wisdom. He is not forbidding drinking, but rather implying it be taken in moderation.
I think this is both social and spiritual decision. We must be careful at all times to seek the filling of the Spirit in contrast to a drunken lifestyle.
Smoking is a health issue. The smoking of tobacco is not in itself sin; it is a very bad health choice. In this regard, it becomes a spiritual issue just like abusing our bodies by eating too much, not getting enough sleep, working without a day off, etc.
I once was talking to an older Christian in the church who was degrading a brother who smokes. I found myself unable to hold my tongue and said to him, "Do you think it is worse than your obesity?" He said, "We have to eat, but we don't have to smoke." My rejoinder was simple and stopped the conversation, "Do we have to eat to the point of obesity?" This kind of hypocrisy should be seen as such.
Once a Deacon asked an Elder and me "What are we going to do about all these new Christians smoking outside the church building?" My response was, "Get an ash tray?" With sarcasm I was seeking to bring about a heart of mercy for a brother who smokes. Yes, I would prefer that no one smoke, but we need balance. We may have taken years to give up some of our "stuff," let's give some grace to others on their journey.