Antioch Baptist Church
Celebrating Our GOD
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Blog
A few weeks ago I went to celebrate with a colleague at his 50th birthday event. We graduated from seminary together and have been friends for over a quarter of a century. This was no routine birthday party. It was a true celebration of his life after having survived major heart surgery in 2006. An aneurism on one of his heart valves had to be repaired which caused him to undergo a nine hour operation.
In commemorating this special time, he dared to think-outside–the-box and brought in the famous Dramatics all the way from his home town of Detroit, Michigan. Let me tell you, it was off-the-chain! They sang and did their “old school” twists and turns, and blew us away with a timeless genre of music that yet endures. Friends (near and far) along with members of his congregation showed up in a non-traditional setting and enjoyed some really good music and had a really great time. The next night we went to watch the Colts play the Ravens in the play-offs. The Colts, of course, won 20-3.
The entire weekend was liberating (to say the least) for me. Historically, I have been quite stoic and sought to conceal that “other side of me” which surfaces every now and then in my Christian journey. I discovered some valuable lessons and thought I’d share a few.
1. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a really good time.
2. We (believers) should always—at all times—have balance and exercise Christian moderation.
3. When done with dignity and good taste, you can do it without guilt or having any regrets.
Some may feel this composition crosses-the-line and may be a bit on-the-edge; because they feel there is no place for secular socializing as believers. Let me remind you, Jesus had no problem with a party. As a matter of fact, while we know He attended a wedding feast at Cana of Galilee, few of us highlight the fact He stayed for the “after set.” The wedding was over and our Lord and Savior remained for the ensuing reception. In fact, He stayed so long until the host’s wine supply ran out. No problem for Christ! He simply made some new (more) wine; and it was so good many commented it was better than the first batch.
Here is a final observation. If exercising your Christian liberty becomes a problem for others’ maturity, then don’t exercise your liberty. Conversely, if your Christian maturity is bothered by another’s liberty, you may want to take a look at your maturity. Decency and orderliness are always appropriate!
Believers can’t afford to become “party animals,” but there’s nothing wrong with having a good time. Enjoy your life!