Not Addicted to Wine: Clear-Minded Leadership in a Clouded World
"For a bishop as God’s steward must be blameless, not arrogant, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine..."
—Titus 1:7
Some of the qualifications in Paul’s list feel intensely spiritual. “Blameless.” “Above reproach.” “Faithful to his wife.” But then you come to this one, and it feels... very human:
“Not addicted to wine.”
At first glance, it might seem overly practical—like a side note or an obvious health tip. But this is far more than a comment on drinking habits. Paul is identifying something deeper: the need for clarity, control, and freedom in the life of a spiritual leader.
What Does “Not Addicted to Wine” Mean?
The Greek phrase Paul uses is μὴ πάροινον (mē paroinon), which literally means:
“not continually near wine”
or “not given to drunkenness.”
This isn’t a blanket prohibition of alcohol (we’ll get to that in a minute). It’s about avoiding dependence, lack of self-control, and the kind of behavior that dulls the senses and clouds spiritual leadership.
It points to someone who isn’t ruled by impulse—someone who can say no, remain clear-headed, and lead without artificial crutches.
Why This Still Matters
In Catholic teaching, moderation is not only permitted—it’s encouraged as a virtue. Wine is even sacramentally significant: Christ turned water into wine, and offers us His Blood in the chalice. But the Church also teaches that intemperance—especially addiction—is destructive to the person and the community.
“The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine.”
—Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2290
A spiritual leader must be someone who practices temperance not just in alcohol use, but in all areas of life. Why?
Because leadership requires clarity. Sobriety—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—is essential when shepherding others through difficulty, temptation, grief, or spiritual warfare.
You can’t guide others through the storm if you’re numb to the waves.
More Than Alcohol
Paul’s words about wine certainly include literal substance use—but they also invite a broader reflection: What do we run to when life gets heavy?
Some people turn to the bottle. Others turn to distraction, overworking, scrolling, binge-watching, or food. All of us are tempted to dull the ache in some way.
But Paul is pointing to leaders who have learned, by grace, to bring their pain and pressure to God, not to a substance or escape.
A bishop—or elder, or pastor, or parent—must be someone who can model that. Not someone who pretends they’re never tempted, but someone who’s been taught to walk in freedom and discipline, not addiction.
Christ, Our Clear-Headed Shepherd
Jesus lived with constant pressure. Crowds surrounded Him. Enemies plotted against Him. His own disciples misunderstood Him. But He never escaped into indulgence. He pulled away to pray. He drew near to His Father. And He remained awake to the needs of those around Him.
That’s the kind of clarity we’re called to pursue. It’s not cold or detached. It’s full-hearted, Spirit-led attentiveness to reality.
Leaders in the Church must be people who are awake—not dulled by anything that clouds their judgment or enslaves their hearts.
A Word to the Addicted
Maybe you read this and feel the sting of conviction. Maybe you’ve struggled with alcohol. Maybe no one knows—but you do. Maybe it’s not alcohol, but something else that’s crept in as your escape hatch.
Let me say this as someone who knows what it’s like to numb pain with false comforts:
There is no shame in needing help. But there is great danger in hiding.
The Catholic Church, through its sacraments, its community, and its pastoral care, offers real paths to healing. Through Confession, spiritual direction, and for many, recovery programs or counseling, there is a way out.
You’re not beyond hope. But you do need grace—and grace is exactly what Christ came to give.
Final Thoughts
Paul’s instruction that leaders must not be addicted to wine isn’t just about abstaining—it’s about living with clarity, integrity, and freedom.
Because people are watching. And more importantly, people are following.
If you're called to lead others, be someone who’s awake. Someone who leans into God, not away from Him. Someone who is free enough to serve.
Reflection Questions:
What’s your go-to escape when life feels heavy or out of control?
Are there areas in your life where you sense a loss of freedom or self-control?
Who can you invite into that space to help you walk in greater spiritual clarity?
