Even elders may drink, but not to the point of being drunk. I quit for two years after I was saved as I was unable to control my drinking. If I had one, I could not stop until I was nearly incapacitated. I'd been like that for years. I was 21, by the way. I gave up completely for two years. That was a miracle as I was unable to quit prior to being saved.
After two years, I was able to have a glass of wine with a meal. I no longer was compelled to drink. To me, that is victory. I had the liberty to drink and stop as soon as I wanted. Nowadays, I do not drink wine except for communion. I am on heart medications and I believe it's better to avoid alcohol. I don't miss it a bit.
Good for you!! You should always do what’s best, health wise. I’m sure the Lord is very happy that you made that choice.
Ik I’ve heard people say that elders can drink, but in the NKJV, I don’t see it.(?)
Elders:
-"This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop (elder), he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence"
I Timothy 3:1-4 NKJV
-Not given to wine = doesn’t drink wine
As opposed to Deacons:
“Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money,”
I Timothy 3:8 NKJV
-In our American vernacular, we would say, Not given to too much wine.”