Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. (Romans 15:1)
Is it wrong for a Christian to consume alcoholic beverages, even just a glass of wine? Is it wrong to watch "R" rated movies? It is wrong to gamble or buy just one lottery ticket? There are, of course, many clear biblical admonitions against drunkenness, verses that admonish us to keep ourselves morally pure and to resist "get rich quick" temptations like gambling or playing the lottery; Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it. (Proverbs 23:4)
Having said that, I also don't think we are called to judge others regarding these activities. I do think we are to judge ourselves and there is also another important biblical principle we are to observe; It is good not to eat meat (meat sacrificed to idols) or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin. (Romans 14:21-23)
If God has convicted you personally about doing or not doing something, you need to of course trust and obey Him; Whatever is not from faith is sin! Therefore what may not be sin for others, may be sin for you. Sift every decision through the word of God and then listen faithfully and obediently to your own conscience. The Holy Spirit transforms our minds as we are sensitive to His leading and He encourages us to make righteous decisions that are pleasing to God.
Finally, remember that its not always only about you. What may not seem to be sin to you might very well cause another child of God to stumble into sin; Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:3-5)
We are saved by faith and we are also to live our lives by faith to the glory of God. Maranatha!
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