Being judged for being a Christian

[Artist4Jesus89]

Before i start please forgive my punctuation its not my strong point and i hardly ever punctuate as most of you know...

Ok im sick of this, i am sitting here in class during break so i decided to say this.
Ok everyone im sick of people judging me... this guy thinks im crazy and saturday i went to frontier city and i told him about it and he was like did you ride the "Christian" rides... you didnt ride the boat did you that is the devil boat... and then i have this one girl who thinks im crazy because i am waiting till i am married to have sex and havent really kissed a guy and she says well if you dont have sex before your married you wont know if they are good and you will be stuck with a husband with bad sex... and i was like first off marrige isnt about sex.
Then there is the guys who think im sheltered because i dont listen to secular music and dont drink or smoke.
Then of course i got all these people that say im missing out on stuff and that God gave us all of the stuff on the earth and he wouldnt have put it here unless he wanted us to try it and have some fun and to be honest i have NO IDEA what to say back to these people, im sick of this being back in school is a good thing but i mean im sick of all the junk and then i get picked on about a choice i made a long time ago to date someone who was 3 years younger than me and i get called alot of names and all my "friends" say that i have changed for the good because im not as churchy as i used to be because all this junk im going through its tough i feel further from God this is also a prayer request that i can get closer to God...
Does anyone have any advice?

[Mangafanatic]

Before i start please forgive my punctuation its not my strong point and i hardly ever punctuate as most of you know...

Ok im sick of this, i am sitting here in class during break so i decided to say this.
Ok everyone im sick of people judging me... this guy thinks im crazy and saturday i went to frontier city and i told him about it and he was like did you ride the "Christian" rides... you didnt ride the boat did you that is the devil boat... and then i have this one girl who thinks im crazy because i am waiting till i am married to have sex and havent really kissed a guy and she says well if you dont have sex before your married you wont know if they are good and you will be stuck with a husband with bad sex... and i was like first off marrige isnt about sex.
Then there is the guys who think im sheltered because i dont listen to secular music and dont drink or smoke.
Then of course i got all these people that say im missing out on stuff and that God gave us all of the stuff on the earth and he wouldnt have put it here unless he wanted us to try it and have some fun and to be honest i have NO IDEA what to say back to these people, im sick of this being back in school is a good thing but i mean im sick of all the junk and then i get picked on about a choice i made a long time ago to date someone who was 3 years younger than me and i get called alot of names and all my "friends" say that i have changed for the good because im not as churchy as i used to be because all this junk im going through its tough i feel further from God this is also a prayer request that i can get closer to God...
Does anyone else have to deal with this or does ne 1 have any advice?

Truthfully, there won't be much you can tell these people. They want to believe that everything placed on earth was here for us to just particupate in. They're of the "eat, drink, and be merry philosophy." These kind of people probably aren't going to listen to a logical argument for Godly living and say "Hey! That sounds right! I'll do that!."

But for your sake-- I would say that their logic is severely flawed. Saying "because there's alcohol on Earth, God must have intended for us all to go out and get drunk" is like saying "Because there is a Grand Canyon, God must have intended us to throw ourselves off of it." We know via God's revealed world that many things in life were created by God to be enjoyed by Adam and Eve in the perfection of the garden. However, after sin, they were corrupted. In this imperfect world, God gave us commandments about what we're intended to do and what we're supposed to refrain from. Pre-marital sex is very clearly one of those issues.

Furthermore, this girl's argument concenrning saving sex for marriage is ridiculous. Yes, if you view relationships like you view buying a car-- then yes. Her logic is stellar. Of course you should "shop around" before "buying a model." However, my view of love is not based on cosumer reports. I am looking for a friend for life in a spouse, and part of my love for him and my love for God leads me to the choice to save myself entirely for him. My relationship with him, on both a spiritual and physical level, will be complete because it is exactly as God intended it to be. God created sex, and I think I'll take his word on how it's supposed to be approached.

But, sadly, kido, this is just sort of the way life is. Jesus said that people will hate us. They'll hate us because they hated him first. It would be wonderful if the world embraced us, but Jesus said they won't. In a world where absolute truth is shoved aside as a "burden" and an "unenlightened" perspective, we must expect this kind of reactin when people find out what we believe. Truth and light will always be scorned in a world which has wrapped itself in the cloak of darkness and deception.

[VashTheStampede]

As Christians, we are called to live a life different from the values and views of this world. And there are times when it seems like everything else is drowning God out and distracting us from the way we are all called to live. Live in imitation of Christ, focus on him through the storm, so that He will give you the strength to stand strong.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
Ephesians 6:10-13

There are times when I've been questioned and scoffed at for standing up for what I believe in. But in living my life with the help of Christ, leading by example, it can help people start to seek God as well.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16

Let your light SHINE, don't hide it.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Truthfully, there won't be much you can tell these people. They want to believe that everything placed on earth was here for us to just particupate in. They're of the "eat, drink, and be merry philosophy." These kind of people probably aren't going to listen to a logical argument for Godly living and say "Hey! That sounds right! I'll do that!."

Adding on to that. It's sort of a humanistic/hedonistic mindset of "If it feels good, do it". Clearly we all know that is NOT the correct thing to do.

A efficient way to battle such things would to explain them WHY you have these moral standards. "Because the Bible says not to and the Bible is the word of God. And Because I love God, I will follow these guidelines as they are the best for me". If they question THAT. Then you kick in the Josh McDowell. "Lets go out for lunch. You pay and I'll pray." (Joking)

I feel concerned with today's Christian youth for not being able to defend their faith. (Even some adults) Not being discouraging in any way. But it is most certaintly an important part of being a Christian. Christianity is mocked, slandered, and attacked constantly by this secularized society we are living in.

I strongly encourage you to start cracking some books or internet sites into why you believe what you believe. People will constant hammer you down questions such as "Why do you think the Bible is true? It's just a bunch of stories written by crazy people". Or "How do you know Jesus was really divine?" or "How do you know if he really was ressurected?" Simply saying "Because the Bible says so" is insufficient, because that requires to explain why the Bible is 100% True. Because it is God's word? Yes. Then prove that God exists and that he lives among us today.

See what I'm leading to? Questions always bring forth questions. And answers always bring forth answers.

Don't get angry ^^ Be prepared! You're trials are going to get a lot harder and heavier.

Some helpful websites include:
http://www.carm.org
http://www.apologeticspress.org

[Radical Dreamer]

I agree with Mr.SmartyPants to a point here...Apologetics are a big (and very helpful) part of defending your faith. But perhaps your friends aren't into debating seriously. If that's the case, I would simply say to them that it is your choice to do what you want. They have no right to make fun of you because of the choices you make, especially since you're the one making the right choices!

The girl who thinks you're crazy for waiting until marriage for sex is way off base. Not only does God tell us not to have premarital sex, but premarital sex is also a very unhealthy thing to do. No matter what the world tells you, there is no such thing as "safe sex," only safer sex. People that sleep around get STD's, unwanted pregnancies, and torn relationships. You're right in saying that marriage isn't about sex, though, and I'm glad you're sticking up for yourself as much as you can.

About the drinking and smoking...Not only does the Bible tell us not to become drunk, but the law in the US (I presume that's where you live) says that drinking under the age of 21 (whether you become drunk or not) is punishable by law. Drinking at your age and my age goes against the State, and that can land you in jail for the night with DUI. Not a smart idea. Smoking at our age is also against the law--You can only smoke in the US if you're 18 or older. Breaking the law, whether it's God's law or the State's, is still breaking the law, and you're making very smart choices staying away from things like this.

I just want to encourage you to stay strong in your faith; read your Bible, ask the Lord for guidance when you have to face these people, and always remember that your ultimate reward is in Heaven, not in the approval of your peers. Just keep on going, and don't let their weak protests to your faith get you down! I'll be praying for ya!

[Danyasaur]

I agree with alot of things people are saying. I wanted to add about the persecution.

In Matthew 5:11-12 it says (I'm in NIV)

"11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

I know it's hard, I really do, but you have to understand, when people insult you and criticize you because of God and your belief in Him they have absoloutly NO clue that they're storing up treasure for you in heaven! Again, I know it's hard, but man! You should be rejoicing! Jumpin' up and down! When you get persecuted you should be like "YES!!! I'M DOING SOMETHING RIGHT!" God will get you through every time and you get a present in heaven to boot! So girl, I just say, keep on keepin' on!

And I will be prayin' for ya, God bless! ^_^

[MomoAdachi]

Well, if it helps, I'm not a Christian and I think the ppl here at CAA are just fantastic. Not to sound all self-righteous or anything, but I don't believe in judging people based on their beliefs. I mean, if you can't respect other people, how can you expect other people to respect you?

[Mave]

This guy thinks im crazy and saturday i went to frontier city and i told him about it and he was like did you ride the "Christian" rides... you didnt ride the boat did you that is the devil boat...

I presume that he's just joking or he's seriously whacked out. Eitherways, I would have just laughed it off and leave it as it is. Sometimes, ppl say things like this with the intention of getting a specific reaction from you. If they don't get the reaction they want (e.g. getting upset/angry), they'll most likely cease doing it. I'm not saying that this is what he intended...but either ways, it's probably best to leave such remarks go.

And then i have this one girl who thinks im crazy because i am waiting till i am married to have sex and havent really kissed a guy and she says well if you dont have sex before your married you wont know if they are good and you will be stuck with a husband with bad sex... and i was like first off marrige isnt about sex.

Wahaha......that's amusing. What I'm highly interested in is how she could be so confident with that view when she has never been married or had a husband with bad sex. Perhaps you could ask her how she came to that view in a respectful and kind way?

Did she read that from a magazine or have actually talked to a married couple who's unhappy with their sex life, wishing they had a little more practice with sex in high school? I know it's frustrating to hear ppl impress such views on you but......consider this a wonderful opportunity to have an open, honest and friendly discussion with this individual and to present the Christian point of view to this topic, which from my experience, has always served quite a good dosage of common sense and logic. You'll never know, your response could change this girl's life forever according to His will.

Then there is the guys who think im sheltered because i dont listen to secular music and dont drink or smoke.

Unless you've been declaring how -all- secular music is evil and ppl who drink alcohol/smoke go to hell, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Gently disagree with them with a friendly note that they need to be respectful of other ppl's choices if they want theirs to be respected.

Then of course i got all these people that say im missing out on stuff and that God gave us all of the stuff on the earth and he wouldnt have put it here unless he wanted us to try it and have some fun

Not everything on the earth is that great (over-rated if I may add). Are we supposed to be happy with death, pain, corruption, accidents, slavery, killings etc.etc., which God presumedly -gave- us? It'll always interesting to discuss how half the time, ppl complain "How could a loving God allow such awful things to happen?" while the other half time, they're going with "Of course, God gave us such wonderful things to be happy." In all seriousness, how would they know that was God's intention for sure?

and to be honest I have NO IDEA what to say back to these people

Nah, don't sweat it too much. Sometimes, you don't have to say anything back. It's probably wiser not to react angry or indignant at most times. Trust me, you're not alone in being stumped by popular opinions! I've been totally baffled by what some ppl believe in and yet, they pick on my beliefs. I think I can safely say we are all learning how to deal with similar stuff in our daily lives. So yeah, feel free to talk about this here....I'm sure we can help each other in learning how to respond in a loving Christian spirit.

im sick of this being back in school is a good thing but i mean im sick of all the junk and then i get picked on about a choice i made a long time ago to date someone who was 3 years younger than me and i get called alot of names and all my "friends" say that i have changed for the good because im not as churchy as i used to be because all this junk im going through its tough i feel further from God this is also a prayer request that i can get closer to God...

Sometimes, I suspect such feelings of despair are good for the soul as they force us out of our comfort zones and bring us closer to God. It's tough alright but take comfort in knowing that Jesus went through a whole lot more junk in His life in order to demonstrate His love for them.

Stay strong for Christ's sake. ^^

[Puguni]

Too much of a good thing is bad. To all those things they talked about, smoking, drinking, pre-marital sex, there are perfectly non-religious, if they choose to ignore God's laws, reasons not to do those things.

I'm not kidding you, these people are seriously in trouble. If they are saying that God put these vices here to enjoy them, then they don't know what they are talking about or what God is about.

[Linksquest]

Before i start please forgive my punctuation its not my strong point and i hardly ever punctuate as most of you know...

Then of course i got all these people that say im missing out on stuff and that God gave us all of the stuff on the earth and he wouldnt have put it here unless he wanted us to try it and have some fun

The Tree of Good and Evil was placed in the garden by God... so that he wanted us try it? No. He wanted to test our faithfulness and trust.


I would like to say, as your christian bro., that I am very proud of you that you haven't done any of those things. As christians we are supposed to be different from others, to allow others to see our light and not allow their darkness to overcome us. When people ask you why, you could use that as a witnessing opportunity.

I will be praying for you.

[skyblue]

Hm. Sometimes I wonder what brings people to think all of this. So many people claim to be Christians, yet many show the opposite. My father wasn't allowed to bring his Bible to court. Upon sight, everyone in the court, even some of his friends, ordered him to keep the Bible out of sight.

That's the kind of world we're living in.

Just think about the long-run and continue to trust in Christ. And I'll pray for you as well.

[ChristianKitsune]

I know the feeling...of friends basically saying you aren't good enough because of your beliefs.

It kind goes a lont with Shakespeare's Play Macbeth's famous saying.

"Fair is foul and foul is fair."

We live in a worldy world. all we can do is pray for our friends...and hope they change!

you aren't alone!

[RubyJewelStone]

Wow I can't get over how flawed that logic of "since it's there let's have a go" is.
STDs are no joke and nothing is guaranteed by any of the "safety precautions." Anyways, drugs are around so *puffpuff!* Or how about poison ivy is natural on the earth so let's play with it?
Anyways, the verses about persecution from the world are there, and it's always good to hear this stuff again.
I know I could use a dose of that plenty of times by just browsing around other seemingly innocent interest-based forums.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Wow I can't get over how flawed that logic of "since it's there let's have a go" is.
STDs are no joke and nothing is guaranteed by any of the "safety precautions." Anyways, drugs are around so *puffpuff!* Or how about poison ivy is natural on the earth so let's play with it?
Anyways, the verses about persecution from the world are there, and it's always good to hear this stuff again.
I know I could use a dose of that plenty of times by just browsing around other seemingly innocent interest-based forums.

I guess God gave us nuclear explosives and disease and guns and stuff! Why don't we have some fun?

See, the logic is clearly double-sided.

[ZiP]

Be strong, especially when it's people in your own church, or people who call themselves Christian, but don't act like it start judging you. You may not have gone trhough that yet, but it's ten times worse than being judged by the outside world, so watch out. The safest thing you can do, is to surround yourself with good friends who stick close to you, pray for a change in the others, and ignore the insults you get.

[Neko Niisan]

Welcome to our world Manga_Artist_4_Jesus.

Not trying to be depressive or anything but it going to get any better for you. You can, however, become stronger from it. Just remember that, although we are command to witness to all the earth we are not required to answer to the world. You have your beliefs ans they should never be comprimised. No matter what you do, you have your salvation and no one can take that away from you.

Personally I believe this is a chance to make you beliefs known to others and why. Though I caution you to tread lightly. It is very easy to get people's backs up when talking to them about religion and it is wise to study up before hand and have a few good arguments up your sleave.

Again, it is down to you and God how you handle this and as much as we can throw advice at you, nothing will work if God is not in your heart throught this.

Hope it goes well for you and I'll pray for you. I had a lot of trouble with this very recently so feel free to PM me if you want to talk more.

All the love, through Jesus Christ

[K. Ayato]

Sad truth about being a Christian, girl: You'll always come across people who have misconceptions about what being a Christian is. There's always one person who tries to stump you and leave you questioning your faith.

Don't mean to discourage you with the facts. Bummer as they sound, these folks should encourage you to dive deeper into the Word. As it says in (I think) I Peter (someone correct me if I'm wrong), we should always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about what we believe.

Keep your head up. Don't let these people and their opinions get to you.

[rocklobster]

Be strong. I too hate the "God put it here, it must be good" argument. God put lots of poisonous plants on this planet. Does that mean we should consume them and die? I don't think so. And just remember, God has already won. The devil has lost, even though it doesn't always look that way.

[MorwenLaicoriel]

A lot of the plants and stuff that are here came about because of the fall of man, anyway. there weren't any weeds until the fall, for instance. So, obviously, not everything in the world is good, because this world has been corrupted by sin--it's no longer the perfect world that God created.

[Vash is a plant]

There will always be times in your walk with Christ in which God will feel distant. Don't be disheartened. He's right there with you, ready to help you and give you strength to fight against the attacks of the world. Just so you know, "..nor anything else in all creation will be able to seperate us from the love of god that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Peace be with you.

[Wise Dragon]

One problem Ive had is that when Im debating with someone (This happened the other day actually) is that they will say "oh wait did you grow up in a christian school?" They say this because when they reallize that they are loosing the argument (not that im bragging or anything) they want to simply throw out my whole statement by thinking "well hes just brain washed so nothing he says is correct". This frustrates me cause everything Ive said has just been thrown out regardless of its truth. 2+2 will always be 4 no matter where you grow up.

Asside from that whatever I could say to you everyone else already has. Dont loose heart cause one day your gonna meet a guy who is gonna make you think that the whole thing was worth it.

[Artist4Jesus89]

See im loosing alot of friends because im to churchy... which they arent really friends if they are like that but like one of them is the one who got me back in church in the first place but has backslidden alot and she said that she liked it better when i had a boyfriend cause i wasnt so churchy and that i got on her nerves for being as i have said before "churchy" ... i mean yeah i talk about God alot and i love doing it and i dont try to force my beleifs on them so why the heck are they complaining... all i say is like what God has done in my life and how im not going to have sex til im married and also how i dont agree with what they are doing that is all i mean i dont yell at them but like if one of them says something i dont agree with like what happened today at lunch where this guy was like "Yeah Mary wasnt a virgin she was probably a (im not going to say the word...) and she decieded one day to tell everyone she had never done anythind and was pregnant with another guys baby"... then after i said that wasnt true he was like "well they didnt have gynecologists so how would they know or not?" and i was like "i beleive in what the Bible says over what you say"... and i got up from the table and left and he was kinda smirky about the whole thing... it really made me mad but i didnt yell at him i just walked off...
I think he is athiest im not sure but anyways please pray for him his name is David and like please pray for all of my "friends" too... but like why must they do this crap i mean i knew that i would have to put up with this and its not that bad seeing how people get killed for their faith in Christ but man its so annoying how everyone thinks that they know it all although they dont because they dont know Christ and i dont know oh yeah and now i got a rumor going around about me ... that me and my ex bf had sex at the school park and although not everybody knows about it but his dad gave him "the talk" because he heard about it so yeah please pray about that too... people talk to much crap in my town... ne ways thanks for the encouragment and advice ect ^_^

[rocklobster]

Would you rather be judged for being what you are or what you aren't?

[ZiP]

Most Christians are judged for what they aren't. If we were perfect, they couldn't judge us, but we're not, and they prey on our imperfections, trying to find flaws in our logic, because they don't see us getting anything for acting the way we do on earth, for trying to obey God's law. They don't see us getting rewarded, so it seems useless, but if we were blessed with perfection, or something else, they would realize that we were right.

It's kind of round 'about, but I think you get what I mean....

We are also judged for what we are as well, but I think everyone understands that. I'm just saying, they'll judge you for both, not one.

[Sweet Mercury]

About the drinking and smoking...Not only does the Bible tell us not to become drunk, but the law in the US (I presume that's where you live) says that drinking under the age of 21 (whether you become drunk or not) is punishable by law. Drinking at your age and my age goes against the State, and that can land you in jail for the night with DUI. Not a smart idea. Smoking at our age is also against the law--You can only smoke in the US if you're 18 or older. Breaking the law, whether it's God's law or the State's, is still breaking the law, and you're making very smart choices staying away from things like this.

Plus, drinking and drug use turns people into stumbling, annoying simpletons.

A show of hands from all the folks who genuinly enjoy the company of stumbling, annoying simpletons?

[CreatureArt]

you're making very smart choices staying away from things like this.

I agree with Radical Dreamer and Mercury on this one. Personally, I've stayed away from drugs, smoking and getting drunk. I don't drink alchohol at all: not because I think its bad but because its a way for me to avoid pressure to get drunk. I don't think alchohol in itself is a bad thing.

Because I've stayed away from all that stuff I've had the sad experience of watching my friends (mostly not Christian, but some were Christians) fall into those traps. I can tell you that even though they acted like the drinking, smoking and drugs were making them happy, they were so empty. For a few of them, their lives seem to consist of nothing else but doing such stuff - and getting the money to keep on doing it.

I don't think that by not having sex, smoking, getting drunk (or even drinking at all, if you choose) and doing drugs that you are missing out on anything. In fact, my personal view is that when people don't get into these things they save themselves a lot of heartache. I have listened to Christians that have come back and lament the consequences. I have seen the lives of my friends for whom life consists of nothing but work, drinking, smoking and drugs, now wasting their lives and brains away when they were formely in the top academic classes at school. It is incredibly sad and heartbreaking to watch, especially because these are people I care about.

I know it seems like everybody's having a fun time now, but those things only bring about emptiness and people throw their lives away pursuing them. By Gods grace alone I was able to avoid those traps and their consequences. They're not worth it.

I'm not being depressed about it, just impressing upon you that there really is no substance in those things. Smoking, drugs, getting drunk and even having sex can all be addictive and for many people these are the nly things that their lives are about! They can bring about a temporary high but that's it. They're also not the only way to enjoy yourselves! You can form much more intimate and meaningful relationships without using them as a crutch or conversation starter.

Oh, and I'm sorry that it sounds like your friends get down on your for talking about Christian stuff. I want to tell you that its not a bad or boring thing to do. In fact, one of my favourite things is to talk with other Chrisitians about God! When we talk about Him we share something that is so deep and central to our lives. We talk about the fundamental meaning of the universal and the foundation of all that is good.... well, I could go on forever in that vein. Suffice to say that wanting to talk about Christian things is a natural, good part of being a Christian. Don't let these things stop you from doing that. Is there anywhere you can talk with fellow Christians about God?

[Artist4Jesus89]

Is there anywhere you can talk with fellow Christians about God?

Yeah i talk to my friend Jessica all of the time and my friend Tyler and some ppl from CAA too so i have ppl to talk about God and stuff so yeah

[rocklobster]

Just remember. It wasn't supposed to be easy to get into Heaven. Then it would've been overpopulated.

[CreatureArt]

Yeah i talk to my friend Jessica all of the time and my friend Tyler and some ppl from CAA too so i have ppl to talk about God and stuff so yeah

I'm glad to hear it. Being able to talk to other Christians who are at school and might understand a bit. Whether they are going through similar stuff or not, it can be helpful to have someone you can talk with about Christian stuff. I hope things get better for you with your other friends, though.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

Yes, it's very sad when we are judged as Christians but Jesus warned us of it. Doesn't make it much easier though. Just trust in him.

I haven't had sex, smoked or got drunk before either, I already have enough heartache as is. I believe alcohol is fine in moderation though. It is sad to watch friends (or even people you don't know) waste away their lives 'enjoying' themselves. And when you try to tell them lovingly it's wrong they think you're a prude or worse.

Just keep holding onto Jesus, Manga Artist. The Christian walk is possibly one of the hardest things in life, but it's ultimately rewarding.