A little advice?

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xXTamXx

Guest
#1
#1
So I'm on this retreat for christian teens and I've been enjoying the programme so far but I have a problem. I've come to realise that the friends who call themselves fellow christians are more worldly than most teens out there! They're just really good at hiding it. I dont say this to judge or condemn but the problem comes when I'm desperately trying to let go of the hypocrisy of leading a double life and 100% follow christ. But i'm finding it impossible to do so with my church friends- I've known them for years now and there are no other youth in my church. So now i dont really have any friends who are honestly aspiring to be like Christ. :/ i just dont know what to do. I'm getting into the whole camp spirit and stuff but they make me feel like a baby cos they're into the more wordly stuff but i dont want to slip back in- why should i act any older than I am and waste my youth? Any advice?
 
U

Ugly

Guest
#2
#2
And by 'waste your youth' you mean avoiding drug and alcohol addiction? Possible overdose. Possible drunk driving. Avoiding sleeping around and risking pregnancy, STDs, risk of rape. Staying out of the heartache of bouncing between boyfriends. Gosh... you're right. Why would you want to act like an adult and avoid those things?
I'm guessing perhaps your heart is less Christ centered than you say if your attitude is that follow Christ is 'wasting your youth' and wonder why you should stay away from the horrors that are clearly destructive in secular life and see that as missing out. Perhaps that's the real reason you are struggling, because you clearly are not as focused on follow him as you tell yourself.
 
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xXTamXx

Guest
#3
#3
That hurt. I know that I'm not where I should be with Christ atm but I'm trying. When I said "waste my Youth" I meant it in the oppisite way you think I meant it- Acting grown up as in staying out late drinking in a club and sleeping around when we could be singing around the campfire worshiping Jesus even if the songs are cheesy. Sorry if I caused any offence. I just wanted to know if there were was any one in the same situation.
 
PeterJens

PeterJens

Banned
#4
Feb 24, 2015
13,204
168
0
#4
xXTamXx said:
That hurt. I know that I'm not where I should be with Christ atm but I'm trying. When I said "waste my Youth" I meant it in the oppisite way you think I meant it- Acting grown up as in staying out late drinking in a club and sleeping around when we could be singing around the campfire worshiping Jesus even if the songs are cheesy. Sorry if I caused any offence. I just wanted to know if there were was any one in the same situation.
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The sad thing is yes there are lots of people in your situation. The church often claims a great deal, but few have found the emotional and spiritual reality within. You need to find a friendship group who accept you for who you are with your christian faith, and not within a church setting if they are not the kind of people who click with you.

My daughters have stronger friendships outside the church than within, because the number of young people in the church is small, 5 or less, and they are very friendly open people. Jesus called us to be in the world and not of it. I know at your age it can be difficult, and even at my age likewise, but you need to find people who like what you like and have a similar way of relating. I wish you well.
 
Gble

Gble

Member
#5
May 14, 2014
56
0
6
#5
" But i'm finding it impossible to do so with my church friends- I've known them for years now and there are no other youth in my church. So now i dont really have any friends who are honestly aspiring to be like Christ. :/ i just dont know what to do."

Hi, what I think is that, first, Pray it to the Lord. Ask forgiveness, guidance and a change of heart. Let Him be in control of your situation. Be sensitive to what He wants to let you do. You said you dont have any friends who are aspiring to be Christ like, Follow Jesus and inspire them and show them what the true meaning of Christianity is ??????
 
PopClick

PopClick

Senior Member
#6
Aug 12, 2011
4,055
136
63
#6
xXTamXx said:
That hurt. I know that I'm not where I should be with Christ atm but I'm trying. When I said "waste my Youth" I meant it in the oppisite way you think I meant it- Acting grown up as in staying out late drinking in a club and sleeping around when we could be singing around the campfire worshiping Jesus even if the songs are cheesy. Sorry if I caused any offence. I just wanted to know if there were was any one in the same situation.
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I knew what you meant, Tam. I don't think you offended anyone. :)

I think it comes down to making the decision to follow Jesus even if you follow Him alone. If nobody else on Earth followed Him, would you? If nobody else thought following Him was worth it, would that make it a worthless endeavor?

I know that things seem harder if you're alone, but you really are never alone. Our Father is a wonderful friend, protector, provider, and He is always, always with you. If you feel abandoned by your friends, tell Him about it. If you feel like you're struggling in any other way, tell Him about it. Talk to Him like a friend, give Him your burdens, and know that He cares so much about you! (1 Peter 5:7)

And keep an eye out for friends/teachers/leaders that He places in your path who can answer your questions and help you along the way. I'm sure there will be some around, maybe not your exact age, but I think you'll find them. I will pray that you do. :)
 
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