At fourteen you think you've got it pretty much together, especially if you're a respected and recognized athlete at your high school. As a standout in football, track and wrestling, I had easy access to the popular crowd. Since I ran in prominent circles among my fellow students, it was only natural to be invited to various social gatherings thrown by my peers. The perks of such a position became quickly obvious.
As the parties intensified, my spirit became troubled. These were my friends, but I wasn't comfortable with the direction they were headed. I remember it coming to a head for me one night. I talked my mother into letting me leave early from church one Sunday evening to attend a gathering of my peers. Under protest she dropped me off and went back to church.
The party was well underway by the time I arrived. Parents upstairs. All the action downstairs in the basement. Not once did the parents make an appearance. There had been a few individuals who had brought alcohol to previous parties, but most abstained. But this one was different. The alcohol was already there and available to anyone.
My discomfort really grew. Since I was late in arriving, most of the partiers were well absorbed. The dancing gave way quickly to more personal interaction. Before long, couples lined the floor engaging in extra curricular activities. The majority were so intoxicated they had no idea who they were with or what they were doing. That evening I sat at a table with Liz Guichard, a friend, sipping cokes. We had a great conversation. She and I were the only ones refraining from imbibing.
Throughout that evening my mind kept reflecting back on my church friends I'd left. My heart mourned. I had left the joy of my Christian friends for the darkness and aloneness of a stupid party. The pictures were clearly framed for me between the world and the kingdom of God. I vowed that evening never to attend another party. If I were to be a light to my popular friends, I had to set myself apart and live by the spirit of God. I didn't abandon my friends nor they me, but no more parties. At my ten year high school reunion it was great to be able to share with and encourage my old classmates. God's light had become a brightness to those who were eager to hear of God's message of hope.
God, there is such a huge difference between your light and living in your spirit than the darkness and emptiness of the world. I love your light. It's refreshing and satisfying. Help me, through your spirit, stay out of the darkness and yet shine your light so others may find their way to you.
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