Challenges Facing Young Christians

Congratulations on your decision to adopt the Christian lifestyle. You are blessed to have taken the step to follow Christ early in your life. 

As a young person in Christ you are likely to have many questions for which you need answers. You have a vision of a bright future but there are some dark clouds in the back of your mind that keep coming into the picture. 

Here are five questions that every young Christian must think about and helpful advice about how to deal with them. 

1. Will I remain faithful? 

Making the decision to become a Christian is the single most important decision that you will make in your life. If you have ever made a large purchase you may have noticed that you had serious doubts about the wisdom of the purchase after you made the decision. This is what marketers recognize as "buyer's remorse" and is linked to dissonance theory. 

The joy and the excitement of having taken the bold step to become a Christian are accompanied by nagging thoughts about whether you made the right decision. You may recall your "For eternity" response to the question as to how long you will remain faithful. Yet, the glee with which your answer was received suggests that another response is possible. Your faithfulness till death is not guaranteed. 

I want to share with you some proven strategies for helping you in living faithfully as a Christian: 

Accept the fact that your doubts and fears are not surprising and is a regular occurrence. You are not alone in this and many have overcome those negative thoughts.

Your concerns are genuine and should be heeded. They are there to protect you from overconfidence and complacency. 

Win the battle against the negative forces by seeking security in the constant contact with well grounded, mature Christians. 

Knowledge drives out fear. Be a faithful student of the Bible and watch your confidence grow. 

2. What about my friends and colleagues? 

One issue that is sure to bother you is how to deal with your non-Christian friends and colleagues. The degree of difficulty that friends and colleagues present to your Christian walk is dependent on the relationships you had before you became a Christian. 

Be assured about one thing. No matter what reactions you get on the surface, all right thinking individuals respect your decision to accept Jesus as Lord of your life. They may not have the courage to follow your example and peer pressure might cause them to jeer and tease. However, deep inside they appreciate your commitment and hold you in high esteem. 

They key now is to ensure that they see the difference in how you lead your life. Be a witness to them by living in keeping with Christian principles. 

3. Can I still have fun? 

Don't be surprised if you feel that a decision to become a Christian is a choice to give up fun. Many have the image of a Christian as a very serious-minded individual who has decided to give up happiness. 

Be assured that one fruit of the Spirit is JOY. Happy moments and the pleasures of the world are fleeting. Joy is enduring. 

Here is some further advice: 

3.1 Reflect on your own interests and hobbies. Things that you enjoy doing. 

3.2 Seek out Christians that share those interests and work out how you will enjoy wholesome fun together. 

3.3 Share with your Christian brethren the fun that can be had in pursuing your interests. 

3.4 Open your mind to new opportunities for enjoyment and satisfaction. 

4. What if I mess up? 

As a Christian you are concerned about your salvation. You are also fully conscious that you are not perfect and that you are not free from sin. 

You might even be scared stiff by this quotation from 1 John 3: The fact that we sin from time to time is worrisome and frustrating. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him." 

God abhors sin and Christians are required to avoid wilful sinning. With that at the forefront of your mind you can take comfort in this quote from 1 John 1: sentence 5 9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 

It is your attitude to sin that really matters in your Christian journey. True repentance is the answer for those times when you occasionally slip. If you genuinely regret the trespass and commit to doing your best to avoid the error in the future you will be on good grounds. 

Study of God's word and fellowship with supportive Christians are great strategies for remaining faithful in your Christian walk and moving on to claiming Eternal Life. 

5. How can I really know what God wants me to do? 

Christians of all ages have to grapple with the question of God's Will for their lives on an ongoing basis. You will also be seeking clarity as what is your life's purpose and what role you are expected to play in God's service. 

Today, God speaks to us through His word - the Bible. The surest way to feel comfortable about the choices you make is by diligent study of the Scriptures. 

You can also benefit from the advice of wise and spiritually mature Christians. 

Take comfort in the fact that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. 

Finally, accept the encouragement of Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."