QUESTION: Is it right for a born-again Christian to own a lodge that contains a bar?

And is it acceptable to give tithes and offerings from such an income? For instance, I have a friend who works for a company like TBL (Tanzania Breweries Limited), which manufactures and sells alcoholic beverages. He is a saved Christian, faithfully gives his tithes and offerings, and even holds a position in his church. Is there anything wrong with this?

ANSWER:

The core issue here isn’t just about owning a bar or working for an alcohol company—it’s about whether our source of income honors God and aligns with the life of holiness we are called to live as believers.

1. God is Holy—So Should Be Our Work (1 Peter 1:15–16)

“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’”

Holiness extends beyond our spiritual acts; it includes how we live, how we earn, and what we support. Owning or profiting from a business that promotes drunkenness—like a bar—works directly against that calling.

2. Profiting from Sinful Enterprises is Forbidden (Deuteronomy 23:18)

“You shall not bring the wages of a harlot or the price of a dog to the house of the Lord your God… for both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God.”

This verse teaches a profound truth: not all income is clean in God’s sight. Even when brought as an offering or tithe, money gained through morally corrupt means is an offense to God. The term “price of a dog” is understood by many scholars to refer to earnings from immoral or shameful activities—anything that contradicts God’s character.

That includes modern examples like:

Profiting from alcohol sales
Drug dealing
Corruption and bribery
Gambling
Selling cigarettes or pornography

Offering tithes from such income doesn’t sanctify it—it only multiplies the offense before God.

3. Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22)

“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.”

God would rather have our obedient hearts than large offerings from unholy work. No matter how generous we are in giving, it is meaningless if we are disobedient in how we live and earn.

4. Jesus Warns Us to Cut Off What Causes Us to Sin (Matthew 5:29–30)

“If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out… For it is more profitable… than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”

Jesus uses strong language to show how seriously we should treat anything that causes us—or others—to stumble. If our business or job compromises our witness or leads others into sin (like drunkenness), we must be willing to walk away from it.

5. Trust God’s Provision When You Walk in Righteousness (Matthew 6:31–33)

“Therefore do not worry… For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

The fear of lacking basic needs is real—but Jesus reassures us that when we put God and His righteousness first, He will take care of everything else. If someone leaves an unholy job for the sake of Christ, God is faithful to provide something better and more fulfilling.

Conclusion:

Owning a bar or profiting from any business that promotes sin is not consistent with a holy Christian life. Even if such a person tithes and serves in church, the source of their income matters to God.

Encourage your friend to prayerfully seek a new line of work—one that honors God and gives a good testimony of their faith. God’s desire is not just for our gifts, but for our hearts and obedience.