Ok, I’ve got a question: Does anyone else find it hard to be a Christian in modern day society ?

Being a regular teenager is hard and it is an even bigger challenge being a Christian teenager who has chosen to lead his/her life following God’s loving instructions and example as is recorded in the Bible. As teenage Christians, like every other Christian, we are called to lead lives which are governed by different and higher standards which are usually not the popular option.

Everyday, teens are faced with constant pressure and difficult choices as to what to do and what not to do. Teenagers want to have loads of fun, interesting lives and be cool as well as popular. Making decisions and doing what is right, even the simplest of things like reading your Bible in public, decent dressing or using decent language can prove to be really challenging and unpopular. Upholding good Christian values equally prove to be challenging and in the end, a Christian teen finds him/herself feeling like they are swimming against the tide, and the temptation to simply go with the tide is strong. Statements like: ‘everybody is doing it’ or ‘you can’t run away from it all, because it is everywhere’ are said frequently, but that doesn’t make them true. It may seem like everyone is drinking without caution, smoking, using controlled substances, engaging in sexual relations, using indecent language and dressing without modesty. But there are always the ones who are not afraid and dare to be different.

So yes, being a Christian teen is hard but not impossible and it is also true that you can live a good Christian life and still have fun and enjoy your teen years. You’ve got to know and understand what you believe in and what your values are and then choose to stand by these. Christian values are mostly clear but in the event that there are grey areas, please seek good advice from other Christians around you. Remember that you are your own person, and so please do not permit anyone else to push you around and or pressure you into doing what you are not comfortable with. Be sure to keep it simple, if an action or in-action conflicts with your values and morals then by all means simply say no to it. Learn how to say no in a kind but firm manner and simply refuse to entertain any other ideas.

In the event that you make a mistake or a series of mistakes, do not overly dwell on it, but simply and honestly admit that you have missed a step(s) to both God and your peers where necessary and then do not be afraid to get back on the right track. Learn to ignore what other teens say about you and to you because it most likely would be hurtful and unkind. Please do not condemn yourself and remember that you have chosen unpopular and different standards and other teens don’t easily accept people who are different. And always remember that God has so much faith in you.

Lastly, it is needful to speak to God often and ask Him for help, direction and strength to do what you know is good and right. Be careful not to have an outlook of condemnation of others; because it is not a case of you against the world, rather it is a case of you being different and being able to love as God instructed. Remember that we are instructed to love our neighbours, so be careful to be patient and kind to other people regardless of their attitude towards you and at the same time, don’t be a push over. As long as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Keep good company and do not be afraid to walk away.