The bass was pumping — hard. Packed bodies gyrated across a spacious dance floor with the ebb and flow of a human tide, a swirl of energy powered by a techno soundtrack that rattled the ribcage. Overlooking the scene was a large wraparound balcony, where the rulers of Europe’s club scene surveyed their subjects with dour expressions.
Suddenly, my phone began vibrating. Still dancing as I reached into my pocket, I saw the text was from a close friend. She was asking if I wanted to join her for church in a few hours.
Church? I was in it already. The club, and its deafening music, had basically become a god that I worshipped every week.
Anyone who’s been can attest to Berlin’s laissez-faire lifestyle. The city that’s “poor but sexy” has been through a history darker than almost any on earth, with the scars still evident more than a quarter-century after the Berlin Wall came down; naturally, a certain level of hedonistic tendency can be expected in an area that has literally rebuilt itself from post-apocalyptic rubble.
But saying Berlin doesn’t take things to the extreme would be like telling Santa Claus he doesn’t have a weight problem. Like many cities, it’s chock-full of distractions, which can lead even the most dedicated individuals astray.
The ability of an urban environment to lead a person astray is not to be taken lightly. While it’s unknown exactly what went on in biblical Sodom and Gomorrah, we can guess they were also full of things that turned people away from God. The price citizens there paid for their indiscretions was high: as the book of Genesis tells us, God destroyed the cities.
Berlin, thankfully, has not been utterly annihilated, but amid the pervasive profligacy that takes place within its boundaries, it comes as no shock that it’s easy to lose track of one’s life goals or sense of purpose. Part of Proverbs 3:21 (NIV) says:
“Do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion.”
Admittedly, preserving sound judgment and exercising discretion can be difficult in Berlin, as it can be in any urban environment. To keep focused amid a veritable sea of distractions, here are a few tips.
1. Remember God.
Colossians 3:2 (ESV) says:
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Whether it’s through prayer, reading the Bible, or attending church (or all three), taking the time to nurture your relationship with Christ can help you nurture positivity in your life and find what His purpose is for you.
2. Have a good support network.
These can be friends, coworkers, or really anyone who can help keep you grounded and remind you of your responsibilities. If they truly care about you, they’ll help prevent you from going too far astray — and remind you when you are.
3. Practice moderation.
There’s nothing wrong with going out every now and again, but doing so each night can have a detrimental effect. Part of Proverbs 25:27 (ESV) says:
“It is not good to eat much honey.”
Likewise, 24/7 partying probably isn’t the best plan for someone who wishes to maintain a sense of purpose.
4. Set goals.
Having goals, of course, can give a person something to work towards, and provide a means to centre oneself. They can be personal, professional, or spiritual — and grandiose or minuscule in scale — but no matter what they are, they should be part of a greater plan beyond simply living moment-to-moment.
5. Temptation is only temporary, and can be overcome.
A good verse to remember is 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV):
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Every city is filled with its own set of distractions. Even Jerusalem in Jesus’ time had them, including the temple, the place supposed to be the most spiritually-focused. But no matter if that city is Vancouver, Berlin, Toronto, Tokyo, or Auckland, the challenges are similar.
Photo (Flickr CC) by Ville-Veikko Ilén.
