Triple Threat (Part 1)

I had waited all month, and the day of my girlfriend’s birthday party had finally arrived. I was excited to ride with her because she had just gotten her permit. Nice car, beautiful girl, no supervision. What could go wrong? Unfortunately, my mom didn’t share my enthusiasm.

Yes, I could go to the party—but I had to ride with an adult. I argued, “Stop ruining my life, Mom! I’m fifteen!” She didn’t budge. After a few threats about not going at all, I caved.

I showed up under adult supervision (so lame). But once the party started, I forgot all about the drama. There was pizza, soda, and more games than I could possibly play. Eventually the party ended, but the caffeine was still coursing through my veins.

My girlfriend offered me a ride to her house. The sugar rush said—YES. I laughed my way into the passenger seat. She rolled down the windows, cranked up the music, and we barreled down the highway without a care in the world.

We pulled up to her house, everything was perfect. And here comes that one moment every boy dreams about…the kiss—until I noticed my mother staring through the window. She loudly tapped on the glass, my girlfriend jumped, and I knew instantly my life was over. I was grounded for weeks. Sorry, Mom, I was young and naïve!

At the time, there were three forces working in me. We can read about them in 1 John 2:16: “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

I wanted the thrill of the ride and the joy of disobedience (lust of the flesh). Maybe I would even get a chance to kiss the girl in her new car (lust of the eyes). In my arrogance, I truly believed I wasn’t going to get caught (the pride of life). There are three characters in LOTKR that embody 1 John 2:16. Let’s dive deeper in the next post.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”

2 Corinthians 10:4