A few months ago a friend and I were checking-in with each other on a drive time cell phone (hands free, of course) conversation. "How's the family", he asked. As I searched my mind for new family news I told him that in January my son, Matt, will be going to Australia with his Azusa Pacific University friends to study abroad. His quick reply was simply, "Beer and Blondes"! I was (deer-caught-in-the-headlights) stunned by his abrupt, guy-talk quip. I passed if off with a hearty chuckle and my own prideful, guy-talk banter, "That's my boy!" We talked for a few minutes more about family, but I don't remember much of what was said because my mind was still in a fog..."Beer and Blondes"?
From a college student's perspective, the idea of being far away from home, in a foreign country known (by some) for it's "Beer and Blondes" sounds too good to be true! On the other hand these are terrifying thoughts for a recovering helicopter parent. I have to keep reminding myself that my well-intentioned friend said, "Beer and Blondes" NOT "Drunkenness and Fornication".A few hours before Matt boarded the plane, we had one of our many man-to-man talks. With a quirky grin, Matt said that he expected the man-to-man. It wasn't my best lecture...er...talk with him, but I know I could entitle it "The Freedom and Dangers of Beers and Blondes". It sounds like a great Youth Ministry sermon title! (BTW: The legal drinking age in Australia is 18.) We talked about what I call "dangerous freedoms": the freedoms we have as Christ followers and the responsibilities we have in our freedoms.
So let's stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.If the Son sets you free, you are truly free.
John 8:36
Romans 14:13; 17
All of this to say that I'll miss Matt, a lot. To be honest, today I'm feeling a little sad that I won't be seeing him for 4 months. He's one of my best friends. But the next 17 weeks will be perfect for me to give extra attention to my wife, my daughter, and to cultivating my friendships with others.
So, Bon Voyage Matt! Have a great adventure "Down Under"! Like I always tell him...Mark 1:11. You can follow Matt's study abroad blog at http://apuinaus.com/
Question: Tell me, what is one of your "dangerous freedoms" (the freedoms we have as Christ followers and the responsibilities we have in our freedoms)?
Read Jason Boyett's provocative article in 2009 Dec/Jan Relevant Magazine, "So, Is Drinking Okay?"
God promises that "[He] 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 stand up under it." (1 Corinthians 10:13). Why is it that I remember God’s promise with such confidence when I read it on the comfort of my couch, sipping coffee, feeling confident and secure in my decision making. A dangerous freedom for me is the freedom to remember (& choose or not choose) God’s promised way out when I need it most.
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