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Dear Rachel,
I attend a public high school just started in grade 9. I was recently saved this summer, and I want to live my life in a way that I would obey God. I am the only religious member in my family. How do I dress and speak in a way that would reflect my Christian values? I am afraid to even mention God to my friends in fear they might not want to have a friend who is religious. I feel as though I am denying God.
Also, I deleted my Facebook account because I felt it wasn't the message that I wanted out there. I was wondering what your opinions are of Facebook and MSN?
Thank You,
Minor 9'ner
Dear Minor 9'ner,
I'm so thrilled to hear of your desire to live in obedience to Christ. Heaven rejoiced at your decision to follow Him (Luke 15:7) and I rejoice with you today! Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to "trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take." Spend time in God's Word. See what He has to say about life and relationships.When you're not sure and you find yourself wondering, ask people you trust, whether it be your pastor, his wife, your youth pastor or a godly young woman you look up to. God's Word also encourages us to hide His Word in our hearts so we might not sin against Him. He helps us to live right but He doesn't do so without giving us the power to live right (Him in us), instructions (His Word) and examples. Pray. Read His Word. Ask questions - never hesitate because no question is ever too little or unimportant!
Jesus is my best friend... and He is yours too. Start by introducing Him into small conversations, perhaps share something so neat He did for you recently with a close friend. It's scary opening up the first few times and as you grow less scared, you will find God gives you more opportunities to share His friendship with you with others. What you have to say might be exactly what your friends need to hear. You'll be surprised as you live for God faithfully that many of your friends will respect you, even if they don't yet understand the decision you have made to live for God.
When I read your letter, I thought of Philippians 4:8: And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise (NLT). Concerning Facebook and MSN, I have both; they have the potential to be an instrument for good but if lines aren't drawn, the information shared might be more harmful than helpful. Boundaries are so important in using the Internet. Use MSN for godly encouragement rather than gossip. Facebook may be an instrument to share favorite Bible verses as statuses. What message do you want to portray? You decide. Facebook and MSN aren't wrong but if we don't draw lines, what we present on them possibly can be. Follow God's protective standard of Philippians 4:8.
I am so godly proud of the stand you are taking in living for God.
Love and prayers,
Rachel
