Being a teen AND a Christian

[Across The Universe]

This has to be one of the hardest things at times. If you say your a Christian, you get the "look". Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Like, people expect you to be less fun or a loser. Sure, religion is a big part of my life, but I'm still a awesome person. I might do a couple things but if I was in that situation and said no, they'd be fine with it as long as they didn't know what I believed. It's almost like they try to get to know you before and everything's fine but when they find out your religion, they stop. Some times they laugh, or maybe even get this condescending look, like, "Ha. You poor individual. Your living a lie." They never say it but you can tell. It's almost annoying.

Also, going to public high school and doing what God wants us to can be tough! It's almost like judging or saying something you shouldn't is second nature. Even when I'm not meaning too, I'll think a mean thought or say something I shouldn't. People are expecting so much from you and the environment around you is tough to resist. I honestly can say, staying strong in your faith everyday during school is a challenge! Actually I'm kind of excited for school so I can practice my renewed faith in an environment where it will be tested a lot more. Of course, that can be scary as well.

Then, with all the homework and friends, finding time for God is hard. All your priorities are messed up. I say, that being a teen is hard. You can be easily manipulated. It's not fun. I've never gone down that road but I've seen others that have. It's scary. I think as Christian teens now is time where we should really stand up and take action in our faith. Lead those living a not-so-good life into something better; JESUS.

Now, let's face it. A lot of us probably have a certain group we hang out with. If your like me, you have about 3-4 friends in each "click" (I really do not like click's by the way. They're dumb) cause you can mingle with everyone. We need to go out, and meet new people. Some are shy. Remember, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Let God shine through your actions. If someone is crying, go over and console them. Who cares if they're emo, or gangsta. lol. Say you'll pray for em. Let em know that Christianity isn't a bad thing. Show them God's beautiful work. You.

I'm ready, are you?

Also, any adults, I urge you to do the same. I know that life can be hectic and confusing. Maybe your struggling with bills or work or something. Stay steadfast in your faith and spread God's word!

Is it just me, or am I the only one excited about sharing Jesus? It's all I can think about lately!

 

[Nick]

WOW! There is some activity in the Teens forum! . Yay!


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I see what you're saying, brother. I think it's a tough time for your faith. I think (from what I've heard) that it's the toughest time for your faith. But it's the easiest time to spread the wonderful news of the gospel, as people at this age are still figuring out what they believe. But by the time you get into your twenties, what you believe doesn't seem to matter as much and people stop putting you down if you're a Christian. Well, not as much. But at this slightly older age, it is harder to convince people of the Truth, as they are more firm in what they believe in. This is what I have been told, anyway.
So I say go out and spread the gospel as soon as possible, becasue it is likely that it won't get easier. Also, we do not when Jesus will come back, as the Bible said it shall come as a thief in the night, when no-one expects and it will creep up upon us, so we don't want anyone to miss out, now do we?


I think most (if not, all) Christian teenagers do struggle with what you're saying here, and I do as well. I've got two groups that I 'drift' between. One is a big group of Christian friends and another is a smaller group of non-Christians. Boy can I see the difference between those two groups. I am more accepted as a Christian and generally as a person in one of them, and I'm guessing it's not too hard to guess which group that is.
But I feel that I have a place in both groups, and it is important to be friends and associate with both Chrisitans and unbelievers. A good balance is what we need.


I think some prayer is in order for all the Teens out there on this. .

 

[Colton B]

Woah! You are definitely not the only one. After a church camp I went to I felt like I was on fire for Christ. I was talking and being nice to people I used to be mean to. Now I invite them to sit with me and my friends at church. the school thing I haven't tried yet. I am going to definitely try though. I am so glad you came out and said that. It makes me feel really great that a teenager like you is trying to make a difference. I hope that after I am done with my shyness I can go on with my call to ministry.


you have just made my fire get brighter and get going again! I thank you so much for that!

 

[Nick]

Woah! You are definitely not the only one. After a church camp I went to I felt like I was on fire for Christ. I was talking and being nice to people I used to be mean to. Now I invite them to sit with me and my friends at church. the school thing I haven't tried yet. I am going to definitely try though. I am so glad you came out and said that. It makes me feel really great that a teenager like you is trying to make a difference. I hope that after I am done with my shyness I can go on with my call to ministry.


you have just made my fire get brighter and get going again! I thank you so much for that!

Don't mention it ;). Glad to have encouraged you. And thank you for originally starting this thread, is was good to discuss it.

 

[Across The Universe]

I'm glad I started this thread. It was really sticking to me for a while and I had to get it out. I just didn't know how to word it right. I tried and I hope it's made people as pumped as I am. lol

 

[Nick]

YEAH! LET'S GET PUMPED!

 

[jeremiahj13]

Hey. I know how tough it can be in high school. I now have a natural distrust in people, thus extremely shy

I first came to high school (9th grade) pumped! You bet! I witness to literally like 50 people, and had much of the school knowing me as a "religious" person.

However, due to some complications and fear, I have shut up with the gospel of CHRIST. I dont witness much, although I stand for the things God stands for :verysad

I dont think the fire is coming back neither to admit it. I will do my best with God, to bring glory to CHRIST, but these days I dont think that will happen
So :help me God

 

[Nick]

Hey. I know how tough it can be in high school. I now have a natural distrust in people, thus extremely shy

I first came to high school (9th grade) pumped! You bet! I witness to literally like 50 people, and had much of the school knowing me as a "religious" person.

However, due to some complications and fear, I have shut up with the gospel of CHRIST. I dont witness much, although I stand for the things God stands for :verysad

I dont think the fire is coming back neither to admit it. I will do my best with God, to bring glory to CHRIST, but these days I dont think that will happen
So :help me God

This happens to all of us, and I know I don't try hard enough to be a witness and share the gospel. I will pray for you. .

 

[Across The Universe]

lol. I actually went to a Church camp about two years ago and it's theme was gas stations. Get it? Getting pumped for God?

The serious question is though, how do we plan to get others involved? We all are ready to spread the word and share who we are spiritually, but are we completely ready? I am honestly scared. I know God will help me out, but how am I supposed to tell my best friends about God, who seem to honestly scoff at my beliefs? Or anyone else for that matter? What do you do? And even then, we need to really know how much we may be ridiculed for being Christians or even be ignored. We have to brace our selves for what might happen.

If, and when, it happens, we should learn to smile. Cause if we endure, God will bless us, correct? I think, despite all the concerns I have, I'm comforted and excited in the reason that I could lead someone to Christ! And I know that God is with me no matter what.

 

[Nick]

lol. I actually went to a Church camp about two years ago and it's theme was gas stations. Get it? Getting pumped for God?

.

The serious question is though, how do we plan to get others involved? We all are ready to spread the word and share who we are spiritually, but are we completely ready? I am honestly scared. I know God will help me out, but how am I supposed to tell my best friends about God, who seem to honestly scoff at my beliefs? Or anyone else for that matter? What do you do? And even then, we need to really know how much we may be ridiculed for being Christians or even be ignored. We have to brace our selves for what might happen.

I think we are all ready, and if you are ready to accept God into your life, then I think we should be (and are) ready for really 'putting ourselves out there'.
How? I'm not sure, just pray and trust God and DO! Read the Bible for encouragement.
I did a study on 1 Peter a few years ago, and it was really encouraging, and more recently Revelation. Really recommend you do a study or at leat read both of those books, but perahps do 1 Peter first - Revelation gets a bit heavy sometimes.

If, and when, it happens, we should learn to smile. Cause if we endure, God will bless us, correct? I think, despite all the concerns I have, I'm comforted and excited in the reason that I could lead someone to Christ! And I know that God is with me no matter what.

Amen brother! .

 

[Colton B]

It may be hard to tell your friends right now. But soon you will get over that fear. Just remember God is right there beside you. Whatever happens, happens for a reason. It may take a few times for what you say to get to your friends but that may be how God intended it.

I am here to help you. Me and you should totally go join some random forum with just teens and make a topic about religious stuff. Like do something to get people to see the true light. It is just another suggestion. But we both have that fire burning inside us! I think we could totally manage it!

 

[Across The Universe]

I'm actually very open to that idea. Any one else?

 

[Nick]

I'm actually very open to that idea. Any one else?

that'd be a cool idea! count me in as well.

 

[Colton B]

Okay cool! Three already!!

 

[Start the fire]

I used to go to a christian school but when i had to go to highschool i wasnt familiar to people who werent christian, so when i first mentioned how i was christian to my roomate (i go to boarding school) he was like "...?? your crazy!" And im like... no actually you are....lol, but yeah i made friends who were "christian" like they said they were but theyre actions and theyre language (Not like swearing like what they say) doesnt show. People say im a really nice innocent person, but i think thats just because i try to stick to my faith, i dont have a bible at school because i know people who would probably do bad things with it (Im not friends with those people) but i do devote alot of time to jesus (prayer) when i have time because when i went to my old school we were required to spend at least 10 minutes of devotion each night as homework, and it stuck with me so everynight i do about 10-20 minutes of devotion before i go to bed, but im really open about my religon and i get picked on about it ( i just ignore that though ) But i have noticed my friends who are christian at my school are the nicest.

 

[Nick]

I used to go to a christian school but when i had to go to highschool i wasnt familiar to people who werent christian, so when i first mentioned how i was christian to my roomate (i go to boarding school) he was like "...?? your crazy!" And im like... no actually you are....lol, but yeah i made friends who were "christian" like they said they were but theyre actions and theyre language (Not like swearing like what they say) doesnt show. People say im a really nice innocent person, but i think thats just because i try to stick to my faith, i dont have a bible at school because i know people who would probably do bad things with it (Im not friends with those people) but i do devote alot of time to jesus (prayer) when i have time because when i went to my old school we were required to spend at least 10 minutes of devotion each night as homework, and it stuck with me so everynight i do about 10-20 minutes of devotion before i go to bed, but im really open about my religon and i get picked on about it ( i just ignore that though ) But i have noticed my friends who are christian at my school are the nicest.

Sounds like despite some adveristies you're still holding firm to your faih. Well done! It's not easy being a teen AND a Christian. Just one is hard enough! . If you want a bible, there are heaps online ones that you can read, and you don't have to worry about people 'doing stuff' to your 'physical' bible. A good one that I use is biblegateway.com.

Welcome to the site, btw! . .

 

[Wondering]

Ha... i laughed at the first line

"you get that 'look' "

I've seen that look many times, especially where I'm from.
Being a teenage christian is hard, especially in high school

 

[Across The Universe]

I'm glad I could make someone laugh but it's so true! Ya know! Seriously. I get "that look". You know what I'm talking about! lol

 

[VenomFangX]

There is nothing to be ashamed about being a teen and a Christian,, but as you know we are a very diversified group of people sharing a coming belief: the belief in the holy trinity and the lord Jesus Christ as our saviour. Some people who might have good intentions are really really radical in their approach, upsetting people, especially non believers and I guess we are all tarred with the same negative impressions.
Just be your self, be kind an generous and christian in nature and everything is just fine. Don't try and convert anyone, but give your view plain and simple if someone asks. Be humble.

 

[Nick]

There is nothing to be ashamed about being a teen and a Christian,, but as you know we are a very diversified group of people sharing a coming belief: the belief in the holy trinity and the lord Jesus Christ as our saviour. Some people who might have good intentions are really really radical in their approach, upsetting people, especially non believers and I guess we are all tarred with the same negative impressions.
Just be your self, be kind an generous and christian in nature and everything is just fine. Don't try and convert anyone, but give your view plain and simple if someone asks. Be humble.

I agree.

And with the 'converting' thing, we need to remember that we don't do anything. When we speak the Gospel to others, it is God working in us, and through us a seed may be planted, and it is God that makes that seed grow, if he so desires.