Sipping on Truth: Understanding Wine, Moderation, and the Spirit

Brothers and sisters, as we continue our journey as disciples of Jesus Christ, we know that the gospel is full of rich, sometimes complex, details. We are always asking: What does this scripture *really* mean? How do we apply the ancient wisdom of the prophets to the nuances of modern life?

It’s the same spirit of inquiry that drives us to study the scriptures, that prompts us to gather in for a Book Club, or that makes us eager to use Davee to walk through a tough question an investigator might have. Today, we’re tackling a question that comes up often, one that touches on culture, tradition, and the Spirit: Did Jesus drink wine, or did He drink alcohol?

These kinds of questions aren't meant to derail our focus on the Savior; rather, they are invitations to dig deeper into the *principles* of the gospel. They teach us that understanding the details helps us better appreciate the scope of the Atonement.

If you want to see the discussion laid out from a biblical perspective, I encourage you to watch this resource:

What struck me most while reviewing this material was the distinction the speaker made between what is inherently sinful and what is simply abused. Bread and wine, in themselves, are not sins; gluttony and drunkenness are. This principle rings so true when we think about our own lives—the things the Lord provides for our delight, which we can misuse and let corrupt our testimony.

The Guiding Light: Moderation and the Spirit

The core takeaway, as always, is that the Spirit guides us toward balance. The scriptures teach us that the Lord delights in the gifts of the earth, and wine, in its proper context (like the Passover or a wedding celebration), was part of that delight. However, the warnings against excess are equally clear. We are called to be temperate in all things, especially when it comes to our relationship with the Spirit.

This isn't about creating unnecessary rules, but about cultivating a deep, abiding reverence for the covenants we have made. When we approach doctrine—whether it’s the proper way to prepare for a mission, or how to discuss the Plan of Salvation—with this level of thoughtful inquiry, we are better equipped to be true internet missionaries.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: Asking the Right Questions

Think about this: When you are studying for missionary discussions, you aren't just reciting facts; you are learning how to guide someone to the *answers* themselves. When an investigator asks a seemingly minor question—like the one about wine—don't rush to the definitive answer. Instead, use the skill of thoughtful inquiry. You might respond, "That's a deep question that touches on culture and scripture. Let's look at what the scriptures say about restraint, and then we can see how that principle applies to everything we do."

This ability to model thoughtful, scripture-based inquiry is perhaps the most powerful tool in our missionary preparation toolkit. It shows them that the gospel is not a set of rigid rules, but a living, breathing guide to the Savior.

Keep the Learning Going

The journey of discipleship never ends, and neither should our learning! If you enjoyed wrestling with the details of doctrine today, I highly recommend diving into the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. If you haven't already, check out the Iron Rod collection in LivingBook—it’s a treasure trove of insights into the restoration.

For those who want to keep the momentum going and practice these skills with us, we are hosting a free weekly Disciple Challenge this week. It’s a perfect, low-pressure environment to practice articulating gospel principles! Details are posted in the community feed. If you’re new to this, consider joining a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces—it’s a wonderful way to connect with other dedicated disciples.

Remember, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let’s keep asking those good questions and keep building our knowledge of the Savior!