There is something that does not sit well with my conscience. Disciples all around me are turning 21 and see no problem in taking shots. Of course they say, "Well, I'm not getting drunk, so it's no big deal." The only reason people of the world take shots of hard alcohol is to get a buzz and to get drunk quickly. I say that, as Christians, we should look nothing like the world. It makes no logical sense to take shots, unless you're trying to get drunk. Are not we supposed to look completely different from the world (Romans 12:2)? Am I off on this one or is this a question of conscience?
Good question. There is no direct biblical answer on this. 1 Corinthians 8-10 and Romans 14-15 have a lot to say (as to the principles by which one decides such a matter in one's own life). Ephesians 5:3 could easily be over-interpreted. (Should we avoid all coffee? Should sisters ever allow their ankles to show? Are Doritos sinful?). Be careful. No, you are not off, but be careful not to be judgmental.
I agree with you about the typical motive for shots. However, I still think it would be going beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6, Revelation 22:18-19, Proverbs 30:6, etc) to legislate here.
Having said this, here are the questions I would pose:
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How is your prayer life? Is drinking more exciting to you than your walk with God?
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Do you ever drink too much? Do shots make it more likely you will go too far? Do they violate your conscience?
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Is this a good example for outsiders, or for young Christians? Remember Luke 17:1-2.
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What would Jesus do? We are to be like him.
