Parties Are Not What You Think
Partying is one of the main forms of entertainment in today’s age. Parties can include gathering with friends, dancing to music, and drinking alcohol. Other activities can go on as well, or parties can influence future actions. This may seem harmless to some. I used to believe there was nothing wrong with “having fun at parties”. I would like to share my views and experiences on this topic. More importantly I would like to share scripture that is intended to help and guide us.
1 John 2:15- 17 says “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” This verse is explaining how as Christians we cannot love God but also love the world. Loving the world means loving or participating in things that lead you away from God. Things of the world will only be fulfilling in the moment, but the love that God has for us will last forever.
How does this have to do with partying? First I would like to talk about the damages alcohol can have on us. Scientifically alcohol is a depressant. It slows down the central nervous system, disrupts neurotransmitters, and can cause addiction. When we are drunk we are not only vulnerable to the environment but to the enemy as well. Alcohol as well as many other sins open doorways to the enemy. Proverbs 20:1 says “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray is not wise”. The Lord does not want us to be drunk in order to protect us. Some people may not agree with what the Bible says. If this is you, it is okay. Our flesh normally does not align with the will of God. Our fleshly desires are for things of the world. Luckily, when we ask for guidance and deliverance from these desires God will help you! Even if you are attending parties and not drinking, there are still other ways the enemy can attack. Often at parties the music played is secular. Secular music may seem harmless but what we listen/ watch influences our outward behavior. Matthew 15:11 says “what goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them”. Therefore, party environments can lead us astray from God’s will. Going back to 1 John 2:15-17, you cannot engage in sin and claim to love God. I have been someone who claimed to be a Christian, but my lifestyle did not reflect Christ. Every feeling you are trying to receive from parties is temporary. You will never completely be satisfied. Everything you are searching for can be fulfilled by Jesus. He gives us the ultimate gift. Salvation. Jesus does not expect you to “clean up” before you come to Him. Come as you are, and let Jesus clean you up inside to out.
People drink for many reasons. People drink to escape feelings, to relax, or to celebrate. When I started drinking my intentions included suppressing my feelings. I couldn't stand the hurt and emptiness I was experiencing. I tried to use alcohol to fill those voids. When I was drunk I was very influenced by the world around me. I would do and say things to gain approval from people I wanted validation from. The feelings of validation would always last till the next morning. I would wake up and feel like something was missing in my heart. When I was partying I was always led to shame and guilt. WHICH IS NOT FROM THE LORD!!! Turning from desires to go out and party were not easy. I would be lying if I said I did not miss partying occasionally. Despite what I feel or think in these moments, I have to ground myself in Truth. God is faithful. He will help you overcome these desires. When I chose to trust Jesus for the first time I asked Him to replace my worldly desires. Jesus replaced those desires with desires to grow closer to Him! You do not have to clean yourself up to get closer to Him. When I made the decision to give Jesus a try, it was 2am and I was drunk, throwing up, and sobbing from how hurt I’ve been from the world. Overall, your choices are up to you. That is the beauty of free will. Just remember God loves you regardless of what you do or say. He is always waiting with open arms.
