It seems that with each passing day, news stories report more and more shocking incidents of youth becoming involved in strange activities. Most likely, you have heard about, or even known, teens who proudly recount nights of binge drinking, drug use or wanton sexual encounters.

If you asked those involved, they would undoubtedly describe those nights as fun.

Further, the concept of fun has taken an even darker twist: Ritualistic cutting, choking and scarring have become outlets for youth seeking to relieve stress or express themselves. What were once isolated to remote tribes are now becoming commonplace in high schools—and even middle schools—across America. And, like wild parties, some teens would say that it is fun.

No doubt, things will get worse.

A young person attending God’s Church recently recounted sitting in her college lecture hall and overhearing stories exchanged between other students that shocked and sickened her. Those telling such stories probably thought the events were fun.

The list of such incidents could go on and on. Children, teens and adults the world over have their own concept of fun. As you are probably aware, much of the fun your peers describe will lead them down a path they will later regret. You may have felt a pull to join them, and these same “friends” may have said that your Church or beliefs cause you to miss out on all sorts of thrills and excitement.

But are you really missing out on fun? Why should you avoid worldly fun? Also, can you have fun in God’s Church? Does God want you to have fun? If so, what kind of fun? You may be surprised that there are many activities and events you can experience that are not only fun, but the kind that God expects—actually commands—you to have. You may have experienced some of these activities dozens of times, but never realized how much fun they were.

God is Fun

God is the most fun Being in the entire universe! In fact, much of His creation is designed around having fun.

Think about some of your personal experiences. Do you find it fun to camp, hike or admire nature? Have you ever seen shooting stars, watched lightning storms or played on a beach? God created the beaches, the weather, the universe and nature. They were created to be enjoyed.

Further, look at animals playing and remember that they act on instinct. They were actually programmed to have fun. This is particularly true of baby animals, who spend much of their time playing.

This was not forgotten in humans. Watch young children; they spend much of their time playing. Teenagers and adults also spend a lot of time seeking fun. However, most do not realize that God created them to enjoy life. Therefore, they do not look to Him to see what kind of fun they should have.

There are certain times of the year that God commands His people to rejoice. Did you realize that when you are at the Feast of Tabernacles, God expects this?

But rejoicing is not limited to the Feast. The word rejoice appears 183 times in the Bible. The Being that created you and the whole universe has a lot to say about fun. Again, does it surprise you that God commands us to be happy and have fun?

Living God’s Way should not be considered or feel like a burden—something you have to struggle through. Instead, you should appreciate all the precious knowledge and understanding to which you have access as one growing up in the Church. With that knowledge, you have the chance to understand what constitutes true fun. Also, consider the opportunities to develop friendships with teens from around the globe.

For example, if you meet someone at the Feast or through email who lives far away, have fun by making cards or little care packages with things from your area. Or, with friends nearby, organize an evening of bowling or miniature golf. Perhaps rent a movie and, afterwards, play a board or group game. Have an open mind and be creative, and you will be amazed at the fun that can be shared with simple, inexpensive activities.

This opens the door to having a lot of fun. The only difference between this fun and the type in which your peers in the world indulge are the parameters within which fun should occur.

Wholesome Standards

You can think of these parameters as a kind of standard. Remember, you should be a light to your peers in the world. As a light, people will notice your conduct. So when you have fun, it should be measured against God’s standard.

Recall the example of the Feast of Tabernacles. Surely, you attach fun to memories of previous Feasts. In describing His Feast, God actually tells you to use your second tithe for “whatever your heart desires.” Of course, this means within the framework of His Law. God would not want His people—including you—to become involved in events that would endanger them. God wants you to have fun in a way that helps you become more rounded and socially adept, with the eventual goal of baptism.

Fun should be measured in the following way: Is what I am doing helping me to grow into a more effective person? Is it helping me develop better social skills? Am I increasing my foundation of knowledge?

Do not assume this means that you must spend all your time praying and studying the Bible. While study and prayer is important, and should be fun and exciting, simply talking with other teens in the Church can be helpful in developing yourself.

For instance, many RCG teens communicate through the Internet. This allows those isolated in various parts of the world to feel connected to other youth. In effect, it makes the world feel like a smaller place. Never before have youth been able to communicate in such a way. But this can be good or bad—depending on the standard one applies to his conversation.

Constantly ask yourself: Is our conversation something that we would want our parents or God to hear? (Repeat this question for any kind of fun you have.) If the answer is no, find ways to turn the conversation to positive topics. This is especially true when such conversations occur on the Sabbath.

In addition to conversation, consider whether you would feel uncomfortable performing certain activities in the presence of your parents or God. Certainly, this would not be the case with a hike in the woods, a game of volleyball or a slumber party.

Further, when new young people come into the Church, do you go out of your way to make them feel part of the group? You should find it exciting to make new people feel part of the group. Remember, they are coming into a new place, either following their parents or attending on their own. They might not know anyone and are probably nervous, not knowing what to expect. Including them in your conversation and activities can help them quickly feel at home.

Also consider that the standards God places on fun have an unseen benefit. You have probably heard peers at school express regrets for things they have done, such as binge drinking or something similar. Because their fun falls outside God’s parameters, they end up regretting some (or much) of the things they did. God’s standards will protect you from such regret.

God’s standard is for you to enjoy life with a balance and moderation (Phil. 4:5). For instance, compare Church dances with dance clubs in the world. The difference is profound. One is an evening of good, clean fun in which your parents can be involved. The other is a reckless, sex-filled party full of debauchery, which would shock parents!

To worldly teens, Church activities would seem out of fashion, as they are not exposed to godly values. Having lost their innocence, they are jaded. This makes it difficult for them to appreciate what you enjoy.

The closer you follow God’s standards, the more fun you will experience. When you go out of your way to become involved in Church-related activities, sporting events, choirs and other things, you will find that bonds of friendship strengthen—and you will simply have more fun doing them.

Never forget that you have been given unique and special understanding. Not only does God’s Way open your mind to comprehend future events and the truth of the Bible, it protects you from many of the things with which your peers become involved—things you would later regret.

Your parents, the ministry and God want you to have fun, but they also want you to be safe.

Missing Out

Make a list of all the activities that you get to experience in the Church. Consider that teens of the world do not even know that many of these activities exist. Some of which you may even take for granted.

As mentioned, you are able to talk with other teenagers from around the world, via the Internet. This involves more than simply chatting with those your age. Rather, it is an opportunity to develop friendships and bonds that can last a lifetime. Also, since some teens are in different parts of the world, you can learn about other cultures, languages and locales. Contrast this with the teens of the world, many of whom never meet anyone outside their own town.

Again, there is the Feast of Tabernacles. An entire article could be devoted to all the fun activities (dinners, dances, bike rides, etc.) that take place during the Feast. Not only do most teens in the world never get to experience the Feast, they do not even know it exists.

And then there is the weekly feast—Sabbath services. While you may meet with just your family, or in a congregation, this is a chance to learn and grow.

If you are blessed to meet with a larger congregation, make sure you take advantage of the fun you can experience. You are able to talk to those your age on a weekly basis and discuss things you both experience—and support each other. You are also able to tap into the experience and wisdom of elderly brethren. Go out of your way to talk with them. Their experiences and stories will be some of the most amazing that you will hear.

Then there are the picnics, dances, socials and other activities organized each year. How many of your peers would understand how fun these activities are?

Recall that most teens in the world often experience regret or disappointment the day after they have their fun. But you probably experience regret and disappoint of a different nature. No doubt, your regret is that you are not able to fellowship longer and more often.

As a teenager in God’s Church, you have access to nearly an endless variety of fun—as long as you apply God’s standard.