DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Maybe I'll become a Christian someday, but first I want to have as much fun as possible. What's wrong with that? I'm still young, and once I decide to settle down I can begin following Jesus.

DEAR M.S.: What you're planning to do probably sounds very logical to you, but I pray you'll realize that you're on the wrong path and are, in fact, placing yourself in grave spiritual danger.

You see, not only do you have a body and a mind, but you also have a soul or spirit, given to you by God. Unlike your body and mind, your soul will live forever -- either with God in heaven or in that place of absolute despair and hopelessness the Bible calls hell. Why risk your eternal destiny on a few short years of supposed pleasure? The Bible warns of the danger of being "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:4).

Part of the problem is that you don't know the future. How do you know your life won't suddenly be taken from you through an accident or unexpected illness? How do you know you'll even want to turn to God as the years pass? Repeated sin has a way of hardening our hearts, making us insensitive to God and less able to hear His call.

The real issue, however, is this: God has a far better life for you than you'll ever discover on your own. God loves you; if He didn't, He never would have sent His Son into the world to die for you. Don't turn your back on His love, but turn to Jesus Christ and open yourself to the new life He has for you. You'll never regret it -- either now or in eternity.

Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201