What Does It Take To Have Fun

The devil is a great deceiver. In fact, Jesus said he was the “father of lies” who speaks from his own nature (John 8:44). In that same discussion he makes it clear that some of those standing there were doing the bidding for the devil because they were “of your father the devil” (44). Even today there are those who would deceive and there are those who would manipulate. It happens regarding religion but it also happens in everyday life.

For instance, when you turn on the radio or the television set you will immediately be inundated with lies about how alcohol or substances will improve your life. While I’m sure people have had a great time on occasion and not every life or family is terrible as a result, what they rarely show are the messed up lives as a result of alcohol. They don’t show the people maimed or killed by drunk drivers. They don’t share the abusive behavior by those who have been drinking. They don’t often reveal the millions of fights that happen at home and on the streets as a result of alcohol. And what is worse is that the subliminal message seems to be that you cannot have fun without it.

The same could be true for having sexual relationships outside of marriage. It is celebrated and encouraged in media everywhere you turn. Having these moments with people that you are infatuated with is just fun and thrilling—like going to an amusement park. You get a shot of dopamine and then go home, back to your own business. Yet, the heartache of lost virginity to someone who really didn’t care about you or the unwanted pregnancy from those few moments of pleasure are rarely discussed. If they are another deception follows: that abortion will make the problem go away and that it’s just a minor inconvenience. It is the devil doing what the devil does best. He is the father of lies.

Maybe that is why I love so much the weekends like the one we just experienced. We hosted the 2nd Annual Stayin’ Alive Disco Dodgeball Tournament to raise money for St. Jude. Will Myhan, Josh Thorne, Travis Creasy, and I organized this event as a way to help reach out goal for the St. Jude Marathon weekend. Josh, Travis, and I have made a promise to each raise at least $4,000. The weekend was amazing. Teenagers hanging out with and competing against adults. Good, clean fun fit for anyone in the family. There was no foul language. There was no drinking. There was no crazy lack of sportsmanship. It was people simply having a good time with each other…no added substances needed. We laughed. We cheered. We raised money hoping that something we raise can end childhood cancer for good. We wanted to provide a safe place for good people to have a great time raising money for a tremendous cause.

And I think we succeeded.

So take that, devil.

Ben