Across America today, college, high school, and sometimes even middle school aged kids are being introduced and induced into the alcohol, party, and drug scene.  Being in the midst of this phase of life right now, I understand what it is like to be on the other side of the fence.  As questions surface from friends as to why I don’t drink and “party”, the response I usually get is a nice nickname like “soft” or “religious”.  Who cares, though?  I’ll take the nickname over a hangover any day.

The truth is that very few kids in these three age groups have a mentality that sees drinking before 21 as not cool, and getting drunk as an absolute no-no.  Not everyone has the same reasons for not doing these things, but I believe the reasoning behind participating in this stuff really isn’t thoroughly thought out.  On the surface, most people just feel that it is what it is…kids do stupid stuff.  It’s universally accepted, so why not take advantage.  Why, though?  How is it hardly ever questioned, even by the people who participate??  I don’t know if any of my old high school peers are reading this, and if they started, they’ve probably stopped already but I challenge all who drink before they’re 21, drink to get drunk, and use drugs to objectively ask yourselves, what is behind this appeal?

To be honest, it furies me to see people drawn to these things.  I’m not mad at them, and I’m not mad at the alcohol.  I’m angry at the deception, people thinking the only way they can have fun is to get wasted and not remember any of it.  Or people feeling so desperate, they look to a bottle to find answers.  It literally makes me sick, because everyone deserves so much better and has an opportunity for something that won’t devastate their liver, brain, or relationships.

Now, if you have read any of these posts before, you probably know where I’m going but if not just hear me out before you make any judgments and close the page.  Answers are not found in the things of this world, and neither is true pleasure.  That “hilarious” party the other night where Bill got toasted and made a fool out of himself might bring you a laugh, or a “good” memory, but how good is that memory?  The self-pleasure being sought out by these sorts of things always comes up short, and ALWAYS will beg more questions.  So where are the answers found?  The truth is found in Jesus Christ.  I know what you’re thinking, “How can some dude that was written about in a book thousands of years ago give me answers, or a happiness better than chilling with my friends getting hammered?”  I used to ask the same question.  There is this thing called the Holy Spirit.  Once you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, it enters you and changes your life…all for the better.  It might sound ridiculous, but this thing, The Holy Spirit?  It’s what you were designed to have, and the only path we have to achieve and maintain freedom.

“Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” Psalms 100:3

There are most definitely some misconceptions about Jesus and those who truly follow him in today’s day and age.  One being that Jesus was some lame guy in sandals who just walked around and preached at people then died and rose again for some reason.  Well, Jesus was and is the furthest thing from lame, or “soft” as some of my friends would say.  He performed many, many miracles (not all are documented in the Bible), healed people from binding illnesses, NEVER sinned, and suffered the worst death ever when his Father turned his back on him only to rise again having defeated sin all for people he knew would never be able to live up to his standards.  He loves you more than anyone on this rock ever could, and all he requires is that you admit you’re a sinner in need of grace and direction, thus turning your life into his hands trusting in his love for you and the redemptive Spirit that now resides inside your heart.  EVERYONE needs this.  The last thing he wants for you is to harm the very body he gave you by going out there and getting hammered, and breaking the law.

*One more thing, Jesus drank wine.  However, he did so when he was of age in the time period and never became drunk.

Another misconception is about the people who believe in him and live by his hand.  Living for Christ is the most fun thing ever, much better than a liquid.  Based on ignorance, today’s culture views Christians as these small weak little, fear-filled hypocrites whose idea of fun is playing Go-fish while eating rice cakes.  I have been blessed to meet some solid guys who love Jesus as their Lord and Savior over the years, and we have LOTS of fun.  Good clean fun, though.  You’ll never catch us eating rice cakes, that’s for sure.  Seriously though, what is more fun than complete freedom and complete satisfaction in knowing who you were designed by and to know?  It’s absurd.  Christians are strong because they are made strong by the king of the universe.  Much stronger than any physical strength.

I would absolutely love to talk more with anyone about this, from anywhere.  Before you talk to me though, try talking to Jesus.  Ask him into your heart, to take over in your life, and to forgive you of all the lies you have been believing.  He welcomes all with open arms.  He is a gracious, and loving God who wants to know you more than anything and comes through no matter what.  You WILL be changed, made into the man/woman he has designed you to be.  It is actually impossible for him to lie, so we can have faith in him and his promise.  The righteous live by faith, not by sight.

God Bless,

Brian

Email: Phillysportsfan18@verizon.net