From Kelli Mahoney,
Your Guide to Christian Teens.
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One of the most common questions that new Christian teens have is if they can still have fun. There is a great misconception that Christians don't have any fun. Many non-believers think that Christians need to feel guilty if they are having fun, and that God's rules are designed to make Christian teens miserable. However, the Bible tells us that God meant for Christians to have fun in a number of ways. Being a believer means great celebration and joy, both in our lives here on Earth and after.

A.

God's Word on Having Fun

God meant for believers to have fun and celebrate. There are a number of examples throughout the Bible of great celebrations. David danced. The Jews celebrated upon their exodus from Egypt. Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding celebration. God meant for believers to celebrate and have fun because celebrations lift the spirit. He wants Christian teens and adults to have fun so they can see the beauty and meaning in the life He gave to us.

Matthew 25: 21 - "The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!" (NLT)

2 Samuel 6:14-15 - "David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets." (NIV)

When Having Fun Isn't Very Godly

While God wants Christian teens to have fun, there are some limits to what kind of fun can be had. There are some activities that may seem fun but can have long-term physical and spiritual consequences. If the "fun" activity involves sin, then it isn't something edifying to God. When your "fun" is self-involved or indulgent it takes away from your faith and your witness. Sinful activity does not need to be a part of an activity to make it fun. There is plenty of joy to be had without sin.

Proverbs 13:9 - "The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out." (NIV)

1 Peter 4:3 - "You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols." (NLT)