Staying Pure in a Polluted Society

[Tinuviel]

Hi fellow teens!

I've been thinking about this a lot lately; as Christians, we should be different from other people, and yet it seems that more and more we are getting sucked into being the same as everyone else and "blending in". I especially see this happening with teens. Any ideas how we can fix this?

Feedback from fellow teens on what they have found helpful and also advice from adults who have been there and done that would both be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!

 

[pwrnJC]

I totally understand..being a past teen, a dad who has raised teens..and now work with teens as a teacher. I have taught in private Christian schools and pubic schools..all teens are the same...they do try to blend in with the world. They get upset if they are not pleasing their peers, their bf or gf...and they never seem to hold back when it comes to sex..despite what JESUS would have them do. It takes a huge continuing dose of the holy spirit to give you the power to overcome the temptations of experimenting with anything! Yes, it is actually rougher today growing up as a teen than it was in the '60's and -70's. Back then, you just said NO and walked away. Today, it's expected of you to say yes or join in with the crowd.

 

[Aqua11]

Agreed! I think it's important to keep God in mind always. I was reading a book a while ago and it said something to the effect of "People should look at the way you live and see that something is different." Essentially it was saying that your faith should be evident in your actions and words. This really stuck in my mind so I always repeat that to myself before saying or doing something. Is my reaction to this particular situation Christian. Am I acting like how God wants me to or how the world wants me too?
Recently I was also told that I was "normal" by someone I don't care for, he's arrogant, selfish, worldly, and atheistic. This comment nearly brought me to tears that I was really representing myself and my faith in such a way that I was "normal" to this guy that I can't stand. Ever since then I've been so driven to act more like a Christian, slow to anger, kind (even when others aren't being kind to me), etc.

 

[Blain]

I live in a house where almost everyone has a dirty and filthy mind where horrible and nasty things are said everyday and living around all of this it can easily get into my mind, so i go to my room and blast my Christian music and spend time with God and with everyone on cc.

 

[eternallife7]

I understand exactly your dilimma. Take for instance how people say that the Starbucks women is a goddess. How do we know it isn't a symbol for some angels we have never seen before for example. The scripture tells us we can eat anything served in the shackles ( provision stores etc) because the earth is the Lord's and everything in it. Yes we are not to eat in temples and if someone invites us over for dinner and says the food is offered to idols we are not to eat it, but when people try to say that stuff in the grocery store etc is offered to idols well thats when we have to realise that it is not us who are in the wrong by shopping there but the people claiming it to be unlawful to consume are in the wrong. This topic is probably too deep for a post but what I'm trying to say is that as long as we are obeying scripture we are not in the wrong. I know for teenagers excited about the gift of life and who want to explore for lack of a better word it might be hard to grasp, but we where redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus so we ought to do what He says when He says we are to focus on things above. The world seems to try to make us doubt that He punishes the wicked, but I suggest to you that that maybe the reason some are so mad a Christians. Because the book of John claims some do not have a cloak for sin and my guess is that many may be trying anything they can to escape the punishments that occur when one has no cloak for sin.

 

[Tinuviel]

It takes a huge continuing dose of the holy spirit to give you the power to overcome the temptations of experimenting with anything! Yes, it is actually rougher today growing up as a teen than it was in the '60's and -70's. Back then, you just said NO and walked away. Today, it's expected of you to say yes or join in with the crowd.

Yes exactly! I've been thinking lately that I need to pray harder for the strength for myself and fellow christians and teens to just say "no". Thanks for your input!

 

[PeterJens]

A little contribution from a life of observation.

Most of the druggies, over indulgent in carnal pleasures, free relationships etc are spending their emotional life balance without regard to damage or death. This adventure, pushing boundaries is fueled by deep needs which are not met, sometimes by abuse, looking for something to provide meaning.

It is not a wonder or something to be admired but a symtom of a deeper problem eating away at their soul. Many young christians are brought up in the idea the world is evil and dangerous place, when in reality it is an extremely needy and dis-functional place. The sad reality is it does not mean the "christian" home is better, it can be different, but also very needy and dis-functional. Follow Jesus works, just focusing on the things that matter, and seeing real friendships and beauty in those around is a gift from the Lord.

The foundations you lay here set you up for the challenges yet to come. Sow to love and faith and reap eternity full of grace and truth.

 

[didymos]

Hi fellow teens!

I've been thinking about this a lot lately; as Christians, we should be different from other people, and yet it seems that more and more we are getting sucked into being the same as everyone else and "blending in". I especially see this happening with teens. Any ideas how we can fix this?...

Just get off the internet... leave... NOW!

 

[Demi777]

Well I try to surround myself with believers when possible. go from church to church. You dont have to go party and get drunk to have fun. Its funner to sit with (even nonbelievers) somewhere and talk. If people wouldnt let the society push them into things like drugs and stuff things would be easier. Try to take a few weeks time and sit back and work on yourself and dont let otehr people EVER push you into things that you dont want to. Friends and people that dont accept that are not worth it. My best conversations were never with the buisness people but with people that live on the street, humble christians and those who have problems.

 

[Tinuviel]

Just get off the internet... leave... NOW!

Actually, there's something to that. I personally feel like I'm in more danger of corruption and caving in when I'm out with people, (especially non-Christians my age), but there is totally something in staying off the internet. The internet is a very bad influence in this day and age.

 

[Tinuviel]

Agreed! I think it's important to keep God in mind always. I was reading a book a while ago and it said something to the effect of "People should look at the way you live and see that something is different." Essentially it was saying that your faith should be evident in your actions and words. This really stuck in my mind so I always repeat that to myself before saying or doing something. Is my reaction to this particular situation Christian. Am I acting like how God wants me to or how the world wants me too?
Recently I was also told that I was "normal" by someone I don't care for, he's arrogant, selfish, worldly, and atheistic. This comment nearly brought me to tears that I was really representing myself and my faith in such a way that I was "normal" to this guy that I can't stand. Ever since then I've been so driven to act more like a Christian, slow to anger, kind (even when others aren't being kind to me), etc.

Thank you for sharing your experience and some ideas on how to stay different! Keeping God in mind and asking yourself if he wants you to do what you're doing are some GREAT ideas!

 

[Tinuviel]

I live in a house where almost everyone has a dirty and filthy mind where horrible and nasty things are said everyday and living around all of this it can easily get into my mind, so i go to my room and blast my Christian music and spend time with God and with everyone on cc.

Aww, I'm sorry you're subject to those conditions Blain! Thanks for sharing what you do to keep your thoughts centered on God.

 

[Tinuviel]

I understand exactly your dilimma. Take for instance how people say that the Starbucks women is a goddess. How do we know it isn't a symbol for some angels we have never seen before for example. The scripture tells us we can eat anything served in the shackles ( provision stores etc) because the earth is the Lord's and everything in it. Yes we are not to eat in temples and if someone invites us over for dinner and says the food is offered to idols we are not to eat it, but when people try to say that stuff in the grocery store etc is offered to idols well thats when we have to realise that it is not us who are in the wrong by shopping there but the people claiming it to be unlawful to consume are in the wrong. This topic is probably too deep for a post but what I'm trying to say is that as long as we are obeying scripture we are not in the wrong. I know for teenagers excited about the gift of life and who want to explore for lack of a better word it might be hard to grasp, but we where redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus so we ought to do what He says when He says we are to focus on things above. The world seems to try to make us doubt that He punishes the wicked, but I suggest to you that that maybe the reason some are so mad a Christians. Because the book of John claims some do not have a cloak for sin and my guess is that many may be trying anything they can to escape the punishments that occur when one has no cloak for sin.

Thank you, I think I understand what your saying, and you're exactly right!

 

[Tinuviel]

A little contribution from a life of observation.

Most of the druggies, over indulgent in carnal pleasures, free relationships etc are spending their emotional life balance without regard to damage or death. This adventure, pushing boundaries is fueled by deep needs which are not met, sometimes by abuse, looking for something to provide meaning.

It is not a wonder or something to be admired but a symtom of a deeper problem eating away at their soul. Many young christians are brought up in the idea the world is evil and dangerous place, when in reality it is an extremely needy and dis-functional place. The sad reality is it does not mean the "christian" home is better, it can be different, but also very needy and dis-functional. Follow Jesus works, just focusing on the things that matter, and seeing real friendships and beauty in those around is a gift from the Lord.

The foundations you lay here set you up for the challenges yet to come. Sow to love and faith and reap eternity full of grace and truth.

Thank you! I found this post very helpful. I actually JUST heard a sermon about people trying to find meaning in life, and how only Christians who believe in God can find it, because without God life means nothing.

 

[Tinuviel]

Well I try to surround myself with believers when possible. go from church to church. You dont have to go party and get drunk to have fun. Its funner to sit with (even nonbelievers) somewhere and talk. If people wouldnt let the society push them into things like drugs and stuff things would be easier. Try to take a few weeks time and sit back and work on yourself and dont let otehr people EVER push you into things that you dont want to. Friends and people that dont accept that are not worth it. My best conversations were never with the buisness people but with people that live on the street, humble christians and those who have problems.

Thanks for sharing your advice Demi!