I've noticed this reoccurring pattern among my fellow peers. Most of the people my age (16-19+) -Christian or not- seem to cuss, drink underage, smoke, and do all sorts of other non-advisable things. I deal with these things too but not in the same way. I have told myself because I am a firm Believer and try to be a Christian in all I do to not do those things and I haven't. My fellow peers know that I don't approve or do anything like that and try and avoid them when around me but it is quite clear that they continue if I wasn't there. I don't know what to do with myself sometimes. People sometimes hold back when around me because they know me and what I'd say.
Not all of my peers do these things but I hate the fact that people don't understand the simple solution. God is the fill for the ultimate void in their lives. We do these things to fill a temporary void but God is the ultimate answer. If I tell my peers that its wrong, they justify it by means of the flesh, illogical answers, or by simply telling me that they knew I'd say it. I hate the fact that I can't get them to realize what they are doing is sinful or simply un-Christian hurts me. What is a Its hard to have a great relationship with someone that excuses sin and calls himself a Christian.
So, I guess this is a typed prayer that is in my heart.
3 comments:
Awesome post Matt!
Very mature. You are exercising your faith and taking the dreaded risk of not being popular.
Here's one simple test...
What activities are your friends doing NOW that will bear positive fruit in twenty years?
Smoking: Lung Cancer
Drinking: Alcoholism
Impurity: Destroying the gift of grace and whoring themselves out for that which will only demand more. Destroying the next generation with sins past from the father. Developing addiction to pornography. I could go on!
Cussing: Disrespect for self and others. Not getting the respect they so crave because of displaying weakness and a lack of control, they are followers.
Who are your real friends Matt? Who will stand next to you in battle?
In 5th grade I turned ten. On my birthday I got in three fights for some reason. The last was when about seven kids chased me on the playground, whipping me with their sweaters. As I ran across the playground, I yelled out for help to Derek, the big kid on my block at home. He looked at me, then continued to play his coveted kickball game.
The sweaters hurt, but the pain of rejection was worse. I felt totally alone on planet earth that day.
Where was my true friend?
Eat the watermelon, spit out the seeds. Pray for a kindred heart Matt to pal around with that will encourage you in Christ, not diminish you. Yet, being a light that is not judgmental. Let them smoke and do their thing. You will speak loudly by being Matthew Soren Kierkegaard Blair/McNutt when you humbly look at them in the eye and say, “No thanks…not into it!” in a firm but gentle voice. Then move on.
Like Kierkegaard, you a re light among the lighted…or those who think they stand in the light.
Thanks for sharing this post Matt!
PS—I’ll be in the ditch with you when the bullets fly.
I too held firm to my Christian faith and beliefs when some of friends did not. At Floyd Memorial Hospital where I worked starting in 1983, I became known as the "goody two shoes" of the 2nd floor. However it worked out just fine for me. Having that reputation is what made Tina (then Stutsman) introduce me to your daddy. In High school I did not date hardly at all as the guys knew I was a Christian and would be no fun in any way. Sometimes it was hard not being in the popular crowd but I found some good friends and clung to my true friends at church though they were not angels either. Your friends are just showing off, trying to find meaning and feel important. I am so proud of you. Since you are older, you are out of my sight so you could do lots of stuff that I would be very disappointed in. I am so thrilled beyond words that the Lord has captured your whole heart. Never let Him go. Never drift away--no matter how tough. Believe you me, your friends will eventually see the fruit in your life. Maybe your faith and life for Christ will help your friends come back to Him and live a "real" life--not fake.
hey matt! its olivia! remember me? i cant find you on facebook so you should look me up! who knows if you'll ever see this but i guess we'll see!!
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