Drinking Parties at Christmas

Many of you work out in the "real" world. The world where it is very common to have a party happening where your fellow employees are under the influence or out right drunk. Christmas is the season where this seems to be the norm.

I remember my fire fighting days when I would go to these parties. Before I started to get serious about the Lord, I was also one of those employees that drank too much. But after I made peace with the Lord I experienced a noticeable change in me. I still went to these parties to laugh and fun with the guys but instead of becoming drunk, I became a friend, I just didn't drink any more.

After these events, some of the guys would say, "I thought Christians were all stuffy and pious but I can see that you can still have fun." I always appreciated how the Lord let me continue to witness with Him, without fearing to go into the place where sinners dwell.

The Apostle Paul understood the balance that a believer must have in order to function and make a difference in his world of influence.

Romans 14:14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

Maybe this is the fulfillment of the words of Augustine, "Love God and do whatever you want!" Notice he DIDN"T say, "Do whatever you want and try to love God!" The key is Love God than enjoy this holiday season with your fellow employees and friends. Be a witness before your Lord!