anyone fancy a drink?

Something I've been thinking about recently is Christians in pubs, mainly because, since I've started uni I've been going to pubs more and more frequently.

Firstly I don't get what people think pubs are. I think people have this picture in their head of drunked sleezy men and a place people go just to get drunk. Honestly, my experience of pubs have been more closely related to How I met Your Mother - everyone sitting around, having a chat. That can or cannot involve alcohol and in my experience, often avoids drukedness.




I get if that kind of thing isn't peoples scene and they don't like the idea of sitting around having a chat, but I don't get when people, especially Christians, shy away from it just because of this picture they have formed in their head.

I've had some absolutely awesome times at pubs, with non-christians and christians.
Eg. I went with Ruth and Kate one night and it was honestly this amazingly encouraging experience. I got to sit down and chat with two of my sisters. I think Ruth and Kate had a drink each and they have this awesome deal at Epping RSL where if you're driving, soft-drinks are a dollar, and as designated driver I took advantage of this :)
we were out before 11 and didn't leave our seats the whole time.
So there's seedy drunkedness for you.

Furthermore, with non-Christians.
Eg. I had this awesome talk with I guy I had just met; he used to go to church but doesn't any longer and we had this big talk about what he thinks of God and Christians and church. A big part of his decision to not be a Christian was because he "just wants to have fun" and by being there, having fun, I was able to break down this awful Christian steryotype that says all Christians go to sleep before 8, don't watch TV and condem all those who drink.

Additionally, I was able to show him the love of Christ by shouting him a beer and making a clear statement that I wasn't going to get drunk.
It's in these situations that people have literally told me things such as "I thought all Christians where judgemental, but you aren't"
When I started to go out, I met all these people who are so open to the gospel and don't shy away from talking about it - I have had numerous fantastic opportunities to share the gospel and Christ's love with people who I would normaly have no contact with.


Now before we all think Polly condones drukedness, I want to make my point clear.
don't go out drinking with non-Christian friends if you have a temptaion to drink too much.
furthermore, be careful that you don't drink too much when you go out.
don't condone the hedonistic life-style that you're friends have;
but like Jesus hanging out with sinners, be there in secular comunities so that when these people start asking questions about your actions, you have opportunities to give the reasons for the hope that you have.

And this isn't just about pubs, it's about secular comunities in general. Sporting clubs, drama societys, school in general - these are all areas where we can fall into temptation but by being different we can show the love of Christ.

Let's break the Christian sterotype and show that you can be a strong follower of Christ and not have to rejet yourself from secular society.

Be in the world - not of the world.

"In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

"They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation"