Shoutout to the Wheaton Covenant

"Of particular concern in a collegiate environment are those issues related to alcohol, illegal drugs, and tobacco. While the use of illegal drugs or the abuse of legal drugs is by definition illicit, and the use of tobacco in any form has been shown to be injurious to health, the situation regarding beverage alcohol is more complex. The Bible requires moderation in the use of alcohol, not abstinence. Yet the fact that alcohol is addictive to many, coupled with the biblical warnings against its dangers, also suggests the need for caution. The abuse of alcohol constitutes by far our society's greatest substance abuse problem, not to mention the fact that many Christians avoid it as a matter of conscience."


Cruel, I know. Yes, it's true, I just had you read part of the Wheaton Community Covenant...again. Do not sigh in angst nor turn away in frustration from these constraining authoritative walls that impede upon your personal right to exercise freedom when it comes to the decision of alcohol consumption. First give me a chance to explain why I have included them in my blog.


This past Wednesday night was a party at Mama Kuki's place. Past student's she has housed were visiting from France and Ecuador and with such honored guests in town she could not pass up the opportunity to for some mojito magic. Our French friend made crepes, everyone brought a different filling, and Mama Kuki blended up some yerba buena-lime mojitos. With a crowd of 7 young adults, tongues were licking their lips waiting for the first round to be poured and the laughter to start. I however, being the responsible and dedicated Wheaton student that I am (*cough) had to ask for mine "fresca" which in Costa Rica means <sin alcohol>. No big deal! Great idea! Let's make a whole other batch without alcohol! My stance was widely accepted.


It was while we were seated for dinner as the call for seconds on the mojitos (with alcohol) went around that the topic of why I wouldn't drink mine with alcohol came up. Immediately my evangelical antennas were up and my mind was racing with how I could best turn this into a "gospel sharing" moment. Thankfully, instead of hastily rushing into this conversation with Bible Bashing jargon I had the sense to be honest. I told my new friends and family it was because I made a commitment along with the rest of my school to abstain from the consumption of alcohol and other activities while at college. Everyone was incredibly impressed. They could not stop commenting how unique it was that I would keep my commitment especially when the temptation was there to just taste a little. My host brother Carlos then took this as his cue to grab the rum and start tempting me with <Un poquito, un poquito> or  "Just a little, just a little."


One of the people at the table then asked if most people followed their commitment to not drink. It was so easy for me to say "yes, absolutely" because I know this to be true. I did not hide the fact that many people do not agree with the rule, and there are those who do not obey it, but as a campus we sincerely seek to stand by our commitment. The table was wild, they talked for twenty minutes how that is the greatest thing for a school to do, and how at our age alcohol can be so abused. Of course we could not talk about Wheaton's Covenant all night long, we had mojitos to get to. I could have sworn however that I saw everyone mix less alcohol in theirs from that point on.


Later this week I went to a local Brazilian restaurant for a drink and some conversation. The conversation was all about Whitworth, and I, having no idea which dorm was what and who taught this Jan Term class, I began to nod and make comments like "Yes, gotta love it" and "Warren South is the best." After a quick laugh all eyes were on me and someone asked, "What is that contract thing you are on at Wheaton?" And to my surprise I again was given the opportunity to plunge into a discussion about my campus's agreement to abstain from alcohol and other activities as a spiritual discipline. Now, Whitworth is a Christian school for all of you who don't know, and they too have rules against the abuse of alcohol, but, they are allowed to drink. Every single person who was there that night however, viewed our campus's sincerity and commitment as a strong testament. Who knows if any of them would feel differently if they were trapped in the Wheaton Bubble for four years. Most likely many of them would have something to say about the Covenant once they were under its bonds. 


What was my point in sharing all of this with you? It is to say this: stand firm in the Lord and remain committed to the testament of God's work in your lives. The only reason I could say with confidence that I was committed to the covenant and that my school was too is because YOU ALL are committed to it. I know that many of you don't agree with it, and don't see how it is a testament in the lives of others, but it truly is once you get outside of Wheaton. People in Costa Rica are being blessed by your commitment to not give into the temptation of alcohol. As a body of believers we are in fact standing for Christ when we are standing for the things in the covenant. I know it's hard, but summer break is only 3 1/2 months away. You can do it! Wait till then. And so will I.