According to Matthew 5:14-16, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Your job as a child of the Father is to glorify Him in your lifestyle. Believe it or not, other teens are looking for a REAL person who knows what she believes and stands by it, no matter what. You may not receive praise for your stands on moral issues like obeying rules and not cheating, but your classmates will see your stand and at the very least, begin to give you an amount of respect. People are impressed by strength of character in a person, even if they don't agree with their position. Your right choices may have more of a quiet influence than you can ever know! That is a way to "let your light shine before men".
Not to mention, how SMART it is to follow rules at school! I mean, you can always say things like: "Well, I don't know about you all, but I don't want to make bad grades (or lose my exemptions, etc) because I plan to do something with my life, like go to college!" Or, "I think skipping class is immature", or "I believe cheating is just like stealing, and I believe I have the brains to pass a test on my own, don't you?" These are smart, mature, reasonable answers. Your classmates will eventually see that, and admire you for your wisdom. Who knows, they may come to you with other problems if they see that your are a "cut above" your classmates in the maturity department! There is another chance for your "light to shine" for the Father!
You are correct in asking if it is even possible to "fit in without being ungodly" at school. I think you know, in your heart, that it is practically impossible to "fit in" with the current pop culture! You might even say that you are being pulled in two directions. You will continue to feel that way, and it is God's way of letting you know that you are on shaky ground. No one who straddles the fence with God is ever at peace! God wants you to be 100% for Him, and that is your true nature. When you go against your nature as a child of God, you will feel pulled and unhappy! Really, that is a good sign!
And, if you are waiting for your classmates to praise you for being good, don't hold your breath! But remember that we work for the praise of God, not man. You may be labeled a "goody two shoes" or "babyish" or even that you think you are too good for everyone else. These labels can hurt, but you need to rise above them and keep you eyes on the goal, which is to glorify God in all you do. He will richly reward you for your courageous stand, and I really believe you will be allowed to see the benefits of a strong stand for the Lord! He will probably bring someone along side you who respects you for the way you live, and may need your advice or guidance. What a blessing to be used of the Lord in this way!
Comments (5)
I really appreciate this article and can totally relate to the one who asked this tough but realisic question. Lately, I have actually been thinking a lot about others in my environment at school and it's nice to know that i'm not the only believer out there who feels this way. Now, I will continue living my life how God wishes me to and just let Him direct my path. I hope everyone reading this will do the same! :)
Posted by Jay | January 16, 2008 1:11 AM
This article was a complete eye opener for me. I was struggling with the fact that i was unhappy and i wondered why i wasn't happy semi-fitting in at school and semi-fitting in with God. I realized God doesn't want you on the fence. He wants you to follow Him with all your heart and let Him direct you.
Posted by Hillary | January 29, 2008 10:53 PM
It is a hard being the good kid. I myself am always considered the "goody goody" or the "prep", but I have to accept that God wants me to do the right thing, even if it sets me apart from the rest. That's what makes us as Christians different. People see how we are unique. We realy do stick out. And because of my good repuation, alot of people come to me for advice. That just makes me feel so good...just that they see Christ in me. I encourage all you girls out there to set yourselves apart from the rest. God bless you all!
Posted by BallerinaGirl | May 12, 2008 6:31 PM
at school i would help pick up after recess to help out, and usually i would get a "Caught You being good" slip. (you get one for being good and then on friday you put them in a hat and they draw for prizes) everybody would make fun of me and say i just wanted a slip, but i really just wanted to help.
Posted by anneke | July 2, 2008 11:50 AM
I can totally relate. Sometimes, it's really hard to fit in because you think to be cool... you have to do what everyone else does. I've struggled with this for a long time. I've been called names for not going out and partying on the weekends, or for following the rules, or being respectful to adults. You just have to trust that God will take care of you and that you can be cool without going against what you believe.
Posted by Katie | July 16, 2008 7:31 PM