I am a believer. I was raised in a Christian home and have a very passionate belief in Christ and God’s grace. I’m not ashamed of Jesus, nor would I ever deny Him under any circumstance. However, at a young age I chose the profession of bar tending and as I get older I wonder how the Lord may view this. Also, I have developed some tough habits to break over the years that I know aren’t pleasing to God, like drinking and drug use. Will this keep me out of the promise that other believers are going to receive? Will I be left behind? I do feel conviction at times, but i also feel like I am a complex person that isn’t defined by those things viewed as wrong by others.
In John 3:3 Jesus said, “No one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again.” The opposite of this is also true. Everyone who is born again will see the Kingdom of God.
We know this because in John 5:24 He said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” By this and similar statements He established belief as the criterion for salvation. Everyone who believes is saved and no one who is saved will be left behind.
Paul said we shouldn’t let anyone condemn us for what we eat or drink (Colossians 2:16). Drinking is not a sin, but being a drunkard is. The Bible doesn’t mention drug use but I believe the same standards apply. Also, it does say we’re obligated to obey the law (Romans 13:1). If drugs are illegal where you live you should abstain. Most important it tells us to avoid doing anything that would cause a weaker believer to yield to temptation he or she has trouble resisting (Romans 14:21).
It does not matter what others say, think, or do. What matters is what God wants for you. If you’re feeling conviction and you believe it’s due to your lifestyle, you should pay attention and find out what needs to be changed. You will be blessed for responding to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.