Just because you’re not getting drunk, doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the fun.  

Did you know that 25% of students don’t drink? Many Christian students avoid socials where there’s lots of alcohol readily available. This means that there is little representation of Jesus in situations where often He is needed the most. Being the sober one on a night out with your mates gives you an amazing opportunity. It means you can keep your eyes open to help out when you need to call them a taxi because they can’t walk, offer them some flat shoes when their heels are hurting and ward off unwanted attention. Your level-headed presence in that place means that you can show Jesus in a practical way they might have never seen before. 

My friend who is at uni decided at the beginning of freshers’ that he wasn’t going to get drunk, as he believed that it wouldn't please God if he did. That didn't stop him from going out with his football friends. He was known as the life and soul of the party and his ‘worm’ dance move was legendary in the Students’ Union. For his ‘initiation’ (event during freshers’ that admits first years into a club or society) he told the captain of the football team that he wasn't going to drink any alcohol. This came as a shock, but his captain respected his honesty. Instead of an alcohol related initiation, he had a list of embarrassing tasks to complete by the end of the night, including having a meter wide inflatable pineapple attached to his back for the whole night.

Jesus taught us to be in the world, but not of it. ’Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will’ Romans 12:2. Jesus was accused of being a drunk, not because he was but because he partied with those who were. 

Let’s be more like Jesus. Let’s hold back our friends’ hair, call a taxi for our staggering mates and comfort them when they need you most. Let’s party like Jesus.