The Warning You Need

By Javan Shashaty

“This is the time of your life where you can forget about everything else and just go have fun!” 

“Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t do something!” 

“Listen to your heart.” 

“If it feels right, go for it!” 

“You can always get your life together later.” 

“You’re young! Live it up!” 

I hope you were able to spot the danger in the statements above. This is some advice that I received before leaving for college back in 2012. Thankfully I knew that it was harmful advice and I shouldn’t even consider it. However, there was something deep down in my heart that wanted to believe it. Can’t I just experiment with some fun? It’s no big deal. I won’t go too far. It will only be for a few years. I’ll get back on track later! 

The Bible has a lot to say about this type of mindset. God does not acknowledge a certain period of your life that is reserved for you to forsake Him in the name of “fun.” Sin is sin, no matter how we justify it, no matter what season of life, no matter what the people around us or our culture tries to tell us. We must seek to honor and please the Lord in every season of our lives, not just after we have our “fun days.” The time is now to surrender everything to Jesus, not later! It’s likely that partying, sex, alcohol, drugs, etc. will all be temptations in the years ahead. For some of you, these are temptations that you’ll be facing for the first time. Can I tell you something? The “fun” you’re being sold isn’t real and whatever enjoyment you get from it doesn’t last. 

Here’s the reality: If you place your hope and happiness in temporary things, then your hope and happiness will be temporary. And the worst part is that while the enjoyment may not last very long, these things we’re tempted to fall into often cause damage and leave behind scars that last much longer than the fleeting “fun” they produced.

Remember this truth from 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

When you’re tempted, Jesus will provide a way of escape! You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing! Dare to be different from the crowd. Take a stand for what’s right and trust that the Lord will honor your faithfulness. Psalm 1:1–3 says, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” That word for blessed we see here can be literally translated as HAPPY. Not only will the one who clings to God’s Word and His ways be happy, but we’re also told that they will prosper; they’ll be successful, they’ll truly be able to live their best life!

But listen to this and be encouraged: Even when you fall and make a mistake, you can get back up! God’s grace is enough for you! He will never leave you or forsake you, no matter what mistakes you make. He is faithful to forgive and restore! 

Look to Jesus at all times and remember that He has more in store for you than a few years of false and fast-fading fun. He has a lifetime of joy waiting for those who endure!