Is Selling Alcohol A Sin?

Q

I applied for a job at Walmart and got an interview, so most likely I am hired. My pastor saw me there and I told him what I was doing. Later that evening he told my husband that we can no longer be members of the church if I work at Walmart. Is this right? He says it’s because I would have to sell alcohol, because Walmart has alcohol there. He says in the Bible it says to keep yourself away from evil. I’m Confused! I prayed about financial help for a long time, and I prayed for GOD to send me on the right path. But now my path is a blur. What am I supposed to do?

A

The verse your Pastor is referring to is 1 Thes. 5:22, which tells us to avoid every kind of evil. But this not a correct application. There’s nothing in the Bible that says alcoholic beverages are evil. Jesus made wine for the wedding guests (John 2:1-10). God even allowed the Israelites to buy wine and other fermented beverages with their tithe money (Deut. 14:22-26) to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. What the Bible does speak against is drunkenness (1Cor. 5:11).

If Walmart offers you the job, you’re free to take it. If your pastor makes you leave, go to another church knowing that he’s the one who is wrong, not you.