The Best Party

The Best Party

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:3-5

Things weren’t going well in Tommy’s life, so I asked him about his faith.

“That stuff never interested me, Doc. I grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, and the church was never my friend. I don’t relate to all that goody-two-shoes stuff.”

I chuckled. “That’s not what it’s about. In fact, most Christians aren’t Goody Two-shoes. We all fall short of God’s perfect will for our lives. Me, I spent years walking on the wrong side of the tracks. I didn’t even believe in God. But now I know that even when I didn’t believe in him, he was watching out for me and keeping me safe.”

“That’s fine for you, but I’ve been bad for too long. I don’t see myself ever getting into religion. I like to party too much, and God doesn’t seem to want us to have any fun.”

“I hear you. I used to think that way, too, especially on those late nights when I closed down the bar. But now my fun is found elsewhere, though I still enjoy an occasional glass of wine.”

“You do?”

“You may have heard that Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding party. He loved a great party! In fact, I can’t wait to join him at the party in heaven. I’m sure it will put to shame any celebration here on earth.”

“People party in heaven?”

“Yes, but probably not the way you’re thinking. One thing we have to understand is that God wants what’s best for us—not to take away our fun. As your doctor, I tell you not to drink so much because I want you to live a long and healthy life filled with real fun.”

“Hmm. I never thought about it that way.”

“When I was in college, I was headed in the wrong direction, but I had an encounter with Jesus that turned me around and gave me a new life. It’s not about religion or going to church. It’s about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ—that’s when the real fun starts!”

TODAY’S RX

If you haven’t yet accepted your invitation to God’s forever party, do so today.

Father, thank you for loving me like a parent and wanting your best for me. Forgive me when I go my own way and do not listen. Help me to be obedient to you.