Vol.1 No.11

Q. Almost all my friends drink alcohol at the parties I attend. If I want an alternative, I must bring my own soft drinks. I am worried because I don’t think the parents of my friends know that they drink. But is it my responsibility to tell them? I need your counsel.

A. I need to ask you a very direct question, “Why do you attend such parties?” Do you feel that you are witnessing to your friends by not sharing their alcoholic drinks? Have you considered that as a Christian you should not even be at these parties? First, the Spirit of God cannot be present. Second, these young people are practicing deception if they are drinking without the knowledge of their parents. Third, the activities at such a party will not help you live the lifestyle of a Christian. And finally, as these young people consume alcohol, their moral restraints will be loosened and you place yourself in real moral jeopardy.

Step one is to discontinue attending such parties. Find your association with other Christians who share your own high standards.

Now, about your responsibility to the parents of these young people. It is critical for these parents to know the danger that their young people are in. Young people often have a false loyalty to their peers. They are more concerned about what their peers will think of them if they break confidences than what really is best for their friends. It is important for parents to have the opportunity to work with these young people. But how impossible this is when they are in the dark on what their young people are doing.

Just one caution, make sure your efforts are made out of deep love and concern for these young people, not out of any personal hostility.