The new normal in the 21st century is foreign to many who hold to Judeo-Christian values. While talking to a friend this past week, our conversation turned toward college, the temptations we faced and the culture that currently exists. When my friend’s daughter came home last week for the first time, just starting her freshman year, she felt uneasy. One of the things she is wrestling with is the disconnect she has with friends who have embraced the party atmosphere at school. Not sure how to respond, she asked her father, “is it strange that I feel this way?”
Once of Jesus’ disciples used the term alien to describe how he felt living in and among the world, 1 Peter 2:11-12. Strange is relative depending upon your normal surroundings, but it is clear when you choose to go against the flow, its not easy, requiring courage, fortitude and faith. However, Peter expounds upon what believers should expect, a spiritual war, urging you to comply with the sinful nature. This attack on the human soul begins with the commercialism of alcohol. The message has become so prevalent on television that beer, liquor and mixed drinks are trying to convince consumers that if you buy this, drink that or are seen holding a certain beverage, you will be the life of the party. This hyper-reality overlooks the pain hangovers produce, deaths related to drunk driving and the destruction alcoholism can create within families.
During my first semester at the University of Delaware, my floor had the lowest Grade Point Average on campus according to my Resident Assistant. While not quite as low as the Delta’s in the movie Animal House, I felt like I wasted an entire semester. Those students who earned a 0.0 GPA did not return, leaving a much quieter dorm. Even friends I knew who lived in Fraternity homes, either matured or grew tired of partying. Therefore, for anyone out there, who thinks they aren’t normal for abstaining from drinking, you are not alone. Like the Old Testament suggests, God always keeps a remnant, a group of followers who overcome temptation by holding true to the Bible. Hold fast to the promise of Galatians 6:9-10!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 