So how can you live out your faith in your everyday life? Sometimes its hard to show that you are a christian teenager while at the same time showing people that you are still "normal". Many times teenagers have the idea that its not cool to believe in God, or its not cool to show that belief. Well I'm not going to be one to tell you, "Yeah! You are cool! Don't let anyone tell you other wise!" because we all know that it would be way too cheesy and its the same thing we hear all the time from adult youth group leaders or religion teachers. When I was in 8th grade I had to watch a video in religion class that had a title like, "You're not WEIRD, you're WIRED for Christ".... yeah, I still make jokes about it to this day, about 6 years later. I am now a sophmore in college. I did TEC the summer before my senior year of high school and got really into it from there on. Since then I have been trying to figure out how to exactly live and share my faith without becoming one of those freaks that is constantly trying to push their religion on everyone or acts all "holier than thou". Here are a couple of the conclusions I have come to:
1) Keep it simple, do what you can: Live your life, do what would make you happy, do what would make God happy. Simply being a good person is always a good place to start. Making the leap from being a good person to being a good christian isn't a big one. Go with what you think is right, not what society tells you is right. Sometimes going against the norm of society is hard, but eventually it pays off and you are happier in the end, trust me i've done it :)
2) Its still a good deed even if no one gives you an immediate pat on the back: Service opportunities are constantly coming around, but do things because its right, because it makes you feel good helping others, not because of the praise you will recieve from it.
3) Listen to your mother and remember your manners: While we should do things because it is good and we shouldn't expect praise its always nice to recieve it. If someone does something for you, even as simple as holding a door open, say thank you and acknowledge their kindness.
4) Preach the Gospel, when necessary, use words: You can let people know you are Christian and believe in God without shoving it down their throats. My friends all know i'm pretty into my faith and they are cool with it. They know I am going to be busy for about and hour every sunday and if they are making plans I will join when i can, but goin to church comes first for me. If they weren't cool with it I think I would find some new friends. We never really talk about faith, but if they ask a question or ask for an opinion i tell them and we have some interesting conversations, but thats about it. Actions speak louder than words, and when you show others where your priorities are they are generally pretty cool with it.
5) You're not the only one: Even though somtimes it feels like it, there are other teenagers out there that are really into their faith and you can find them. Its ok to have a couple different groups of friends. I have a group of friends from TEC that i can really share my faith with, and a group of friends from school who really could care less about religion, but it all works out and each group respects each other.
It can be hard being a Christian teen, but in the end it really does pay off. Stick with it and you will find little rewards along the way. You will always be happier following God's plan and not man's. Always remember: If you wanna make God laugh tell him your plans :)
-Mara
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