Being a Christian in today's world

[tinkytoy]

It makes me sad to see what goes on all over the world, but even more what happens right here in my neighborhood and in my family. Outside of church, people act and talk like there is no God. A couple friends of mine I've known since we were little don't believe in anything and actually kind of mock Christianity. I'm conflicted about staying friends with them because I'm a loyal friend and still have hope for them, but at the same time I don't like having to be defensive when the topic comes up.

Things not of God are everywhere. Sex. Crime. Violence. Self-centeredness. I realized the other day, in trying to eliminate my exposure to these things, that I can't avoid any of it. Unless of course I never leave my apartment or turn on the TV or go on the internet. And I would have to cut off almost every person I know, family included. I'm not about to do that. I guess I'm just saying that it's hard to keep hope for society. Where I live, you have to be wary of everyone you see walking down the street, walking through the mall, walking around the park. Just last week a guy tried to abduct an 11 year old about a half mile down the road from where I live. Crimes happen every day and night and this has taught me to be very closed off from everyone I see and not talk to anyone unless necessary.

I hate to say it, but I see more bad than good happening. I'm not looking for the bad, it's just everywhere I look. I haven't watched the news in a while because of it. What's hit me the hardest is watching people I used to hold in high regard go downhill and do awful things. It dawned on me recently that quite a few people I know, including a family member, don't take care of their kids. Coincidentally, they're all in their 20s, not married, live with their parents and are making no effort to better themselves or their situation. My cousin takes off for days at a time and leaves her kids with her mom, and is barely around to raise them. It just hurts to see what these kids go through, and how it's going to affect their adult lives. But anyway. That was a tangent. I'm just thinking about the way I view my world and I wish it was better. It's so easy to be optimistic and full of hope when your world is full of friends and family you can trust and share God's love with. But for many people like myself, negativity is not pessimism; it's reality. Is there a way to stay hopeful and loving and accepting in a world like this? It's something I need a lot of help with.

 

[wayfaring man]

Jesus warned us that things will degrade to the lowest point, at which time He will come to our rescue !

Therefore, one great consolation in things getting worse than ever, is that Christ's Return is then very near.

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh. <-----> Luke 21:25-28

Additionally, think it good for us to practice taking refuge in Christ; which may involve finding/having a quiet/safe/secluded place to pray, study, and meditate upon God's Word.

wm

 

[Morphane]

It is not only possible to remain hopeful, loving and accepting in a world that is falling apart, but quite simple when you see it. Explaining is not so simple, for the spiritual perspective is so subtlely complicated, one is forced to used analogies.

Okay, so when one becomes a believer, and puts their faith in Jesus, they are no longer of the World. They remain in the World, but don't belong in it any more.

It is like the World is a dream, and the believer becomes aware it is a dream. Now if you were aware you were dreaming, and things became a nightmare, you know you are really okay, because all you have to do is wake up. No matter how bad it gets, once you wake up, you are safe and well in your bed, and you think "Phew - it was only a dream."

Now if the World is a dream, not everyone is aware of it. People who don't have faith, are completely convinced this is all there is. So their terror is absolute. Their despair is absolute. Their suffering is absolute.

But Christians don't have to suffer one bit, because its just a phantasm. It feels real, it looks real, for all intents and purposes, it is real, but only God is real.

Therefore, why should the Christian be concerned if things become a nightmare? They should trust that events are arranged by God, and maybe it will take a nightmare to finally wake the World up. So the Christian should not only be unconcerned, but they should be fearless in their compassion for those who suffer, and free to help them in any way they can.

Wayfaring Man is correct, that it has been foretold that things will become incredibly dire, and that is when Jesus Christ will end human history. The nightmare will be over - or rather, the birthpains will be over, and something wonderful will be given birth. A new era for humanity, where it walks hand in hand with God.

 

[All Englands Skies]

The world is natrually against the truth that is Christ!

Stand firm, do not compromise your faith. many do, but think about it, alot of atheists and other religions/spiritualists expect Christians to compromise our faith into a modern form that doesnt "offend them", yet honestly, when do any of them compromise their beliefs for us?, ive never actually seen it. theres a clue and lesson in that.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Ephesians 5:16
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

yes sin has infected creation . which is why we need to look underneath the surface to see what is good . God has enabled us to do this through the mystery of the indwelling Christ within you . the hope of glory .

 

[tturt]

I understand - you can be in a room full of people and they're all talking about different things that aren't of any interest to you. Because you want to talk about the Lord and what He's doing in your life and in other people's lives or something that you've read or heard that really touched your heart. I just try to remember that some times I'll have the opportunity to put the spotlight on Him. Though it can be very tough. I asks Him for His strength because I sure can't do it without His help.

For example, the other day I realized what that scripture means about finding Him early in the morning - He's not demanding a particular time but letting me know that when I spend time with Him first then the rest of my day will be different than if I don't take that time with Him.

 

[ezeric]

I understand, where we almost like to shut off everything around us because
most of it is selfish, evil, vain but that would be the devils trap.

You see, the thing the devil hates the most, is someone who is 'in the world, but
not of it'. Someone (like JESUS and Paul) who entered into this cesspool of sin
and shone the light, and started to let GOD'S LOVE flow to a world that needs
it (actually needs HIM) real bad, but doesn't know how to get it, if you will.

So, if the devil can keep us from becoming HIS (Christians) that is his first plan.
But if we do follow JESUS, his (devils) next plan would be make us not-effective. Make us, slothful, make us fearful, drive us to lonely places.

Its not good for man (mankind) to be alone says the LORD.

Realize your armor is on, get ready for action.
How do we fight - we don't.
We stand and see GOD live HIS life through us, and
not worry what to say, but let LOVE flow through us to a world of
death and decay.

Then you will change your world around you - little by little.
Then you will see the dead raised, for to raise the dead, you have to
be around the dead.

Don't give up, you are very important, and stratically placed by the
HOLY SPIRIT to shine light and make a difference to the people right around
you - that only you can reach.

Don't give up...press on!

-eric

 

[tinkytoy]

Thanks everyone. You've given me some good things to think about. I only wish there were people in my life that did the same! It's good to talk to people that understand and don't just blend in and conform to the way things are because it's the easy thing to do.

The world is natrually against the truth that is Christ!

Stand firm, do not compromise your faith. many do, but think about it, alot of atheists and other religions/spiritualists expect Christians to compromise our faith into a modern form that doesnt "offend them", yet honestly, when do any of them compromise their beliefs for us?, ive never actually seen it. theres a clue and lesson in that.

I totally agree. It's hypocrisy, really. They're more offensive than religious people and are trying to push their ways on us by taking God out of everything.

 

[forGod1]

Tinkytov, you and I are suffering from the same situation. It seems like everyone I know isn't a Christian, or atleast, a good Christian. We can't just say, well, see you all later! It's our famillies, our friends, our Loved ones. It's a terrible situation. I started a thread just a few minutes ago along the same lines.. it's terrible being in this situation. It feels like you're with God and everyone else is just walking on thin ice.

 

[Christsdaughter]

It makes me sad to see what goes on all over the world, but even more what happens right here in my neighborhood and in my family. Outside of church, people act and talk like there is no God. A couple friends of mine I've known since we were little don't believe in anything and actually kind of mock Christianity. I'm conflicted about staying friends with them because I'm a loyal friend and still have hope for them, but at the same time I don't like having to be defensive when the topic comes up.

Things not of God are everywhere. Sex. Crime. Violence. Self-centeredness. I realized the other day, in trying to eliminate my exposure to these things, that I can't avoid any of it. Unless of course I never leave my apartment or turn on the TV or go on the internet. And I would have to cut off almost every person I know, family included. I'm not about to do that. I guess I'm just saying that it's hard to keep hope for society. Where I live, you have to be wary of everyone you see walking down the street, walking through the mall, walking around the park. Just last week a guy tried to abduct an 11 year old about a half mile down the road from where I live. Crimes happen every day and night and this has taught me to be very closed off from everyone I see and not talk to anyone unless necessary.

I hate to say it, but I see more bad than good happening. I'm not looking for the bad, it's just everywhere I look. I haven't watched the news in a while because of it. What's hit me the hardest is watching people I used to hold in high regard go downhill and do awful things. It dawned on me recently that quite a few people I know, including a family member, don't take care of their kids. Coincidentally, they're all in their 20s, not married, live with their parents and are making no effort to better themselves or their situation. My cousin takes off for days at a time and leaves her kids with her mom, and is barely around to raise them. It just hurts to see what these kids go through, and how it's going to affect their adult lives. But anyway. That was a tangent. I'm just thinking about the way I view my world and I wish it was better. It's so easy to be optimistic and full of hope when your world is full of friends and family you can trust and share God's love with. But for many people like myself, negativity is not pessimism; it's reality. Is there a way to stay hopeful and loving and accepting in a world like this? It's something I need a lot of help with.

I feel very much like you do about how the world is just so far away from God and it is just so hard to separate yourself from all that is in it, especially when those that you care about are not even Christians and are very worldly and do not understand why we believe what we do and don't want any part of it. Most of my own family, including my husband (which I just recently found out...another story) are not believers and I have been criticized and mocked by my loved ones and rejected by most of my friends because of my beliefs. We can't let anyone get in the way of our relationship with Jesus Christ. We cannot share in their corrupt conversation and ways. We need to separate ourselves from those things by not taking part in them. We can't avoid everything, that is true. Not sharing in these things doesn't ALWAYS mean overt rejection, though it could. So far I have been so lucky that my family still loves me and in SOME ways tries to be sensitive to some of the things that offend me....not everyone though. I am still seeking to grow stronger in my relationship with the Lord to the point to that if I lost EVERYTHING and EVERYONE for Jesus, that I would be content with only Him! It is so hard, but it seems so impossible to avoid this hardship in life while growing in the Lord. He IS God, though! I am determined to be with Him all the way, even if it means losing everything. I am blessed in that I do have a strong godly woman to look up to. She has been my Elijah (as Elijah was to Elisha) in that she has been used by God to disciple me and teach me to minister, etc. God is leading me to look to Him and to not look for my Elijah whenever trouble comes. It is now time for me to depend only on Him, not on man. Anyway...if you need a friend or just someone to talk to at anytime, you can message me. Or even if you just want to talk about the Lord and what He is doing in your life, I would love to talk

God Bless!

Krystal

 

[suzybeezy]

WOW really great responses so far! I'd just add that I really think the Lord has been spending this time now to prepare us - arranging our circumstances so that our faith is strengthened - so as things of this world become worse, we will have the faith needed to sustain us.

 

[Emmy]

Dear tinkytoy. We live in an imperfect world, selfishness and unkindli ness seem to be the norm, yet there are still many loving and kind men and women about, and I like to believe they are in the majority. Christians are the only representatives which Christ has in this world. Jesus tells us in Matthew the first and great Commandment is to love God, with all our hearts, all our souls, and all our minds. The second Commandment is likewise: love our neighbour, ( friend or foe) as we love ourselves. Then Jesus points out: " On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." We know that God is Love, we know that Jesus died out of Love for us, and we know that God wants our Love. ( selfless, no conditions asked) If I may say this, humbly and with love, we were made in God`s image, try to imagine, tinkytoy, if we all would let our love for God, and each other show, let it shine in today`s world, let it take the world by storm, be loving, kind, forgiving, and helpful and compassionate with smiles and encouragement, this imperfect world would become a place where Love lives and rules. Christ would lead us against all sin and unrighteousness, and our weapons would be LOVE. It could be done, and would certainly change this imperfect world into a Christian world. I say this with love. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.