I’m 23 years old and I’ve never stepped into a club.

I’ve also never smoked or gone out drinking. Many say they’re surprised when they hear this. I wouldn’t consider myself as a typical good girl, and the truth is I’ve always wanted to go to a club. As a naturally curious person, I believe in trying everything at least once.

And I’ve learnt that I’m not the only one straddling this tension. A few months ago, some writers at Thir.st once asked a group of about 300 teens about their deepest, darkest questions on religion. By far the most common question was: Is it okay to go clubbing?

We’re all at the age where we’re searching for ourselves. We want to go out and experiment before we get stuck in the humdrum of #adulting. But as we prepare for the pursuit of fun and adventure, it’s always best to arm ourselves with God-given wisdom and tact. While pubs and clubs hadn’t been invented in Biblical times, we can still draw principles from Scripture.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY ABOUT CLUBBING?

1. HOW WILL IT AFFECT YOUR BEHAVIOUR?

We are told not to walk in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust (Romans 13:13). If we must drink, don’t get drunk (Ephesians 5:18).

2. HOW WILL IT BENEFIT YOU, IN THE ETERNAL SCHEME OF THINGS?

Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial (1 Corinthians 10:23-24). We’ve been warned that if we commit certain sins (including “debauchery, sexual immorality, drunkenness and orgies”), we will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).

3. HOW WILL OTHERS VIEW IT?

As Christians, we shouldn’t do anything that would stumble others. As Paul put it: “Beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.” (1 Corinthians 8:9-13)

You don’t have to try everything. You take ownership for your own choices by deciding what your limits and boundaries are. Ultimately, you have to give an account of your life to God. So do everything you can to stop yourself from doing something you’d regret.