I see so many Christians at my school but sometimes they forget what being a Christian really means and they go around like nothing has been changed. How can i show what being a Christian is really about to my school and family?

I've seen the same thing everywhere from church to Hollywood and when I think back and remember who I used to be, I see that I've done it myself. For years I think I called myself a Christian but refused to give up everything and trust my whole life to Jesus, and what you get in that situation is a "Christian" in name only but maybe not for real. I think there are a scary number of people out there who think they're safe, they think they're the real deal, but they're just fooling themselves. Otherwise there would be no place in the Bible for verses like Matthew 7:22-23 which says, "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"

Basically Jesus is talking to people who call themselves Christians but never really know and follow Him. They never put into practice what He calls us all to, which, contrary to popular belief, isn't joining the youth group, being in a Bible study and sitting in judgment on the rest of the world. What He really asks of us is that we love Him the most, trust Him with our lives and follow Him. You might need to really think that one through because what He's asking you to do is give up your rights to yourself and the life you think you want or deserve, and choose whatever He has planned instead. It's much easier to give ourselves the title "Christian" and then live however we please but I don't see anywhere in the Bible where living like that means we're saved. We can't say we follow Jesus but pick and choose what we want to believe or obey. As a matter of fact, how you live shows what you really believe regardless of what you say.

I think you're asking this question because deep in your heart you want to be real. You want to really love Jesus and not just play the game that so many of us are playing or have played in the past. You can show what it's really about just by really doing it. Start with a soul check and see if you really believe what you say you believe. Several years ago when my mom was diagnosed with a fatal disease God asked me if I loved Him enough to trust Him with what was happening and my answer was honestly "no way". That was the first time I realized I didn't really believe what I said I did. That I didn't really love the God who asked me to love Him more than I loved my mom. It was also the beginning of a real intimate relationship with Him and the end of just playing church. Once you find out what you really believe, move toward Jesus and as you move closer to Him your life should show the people around you what it really looks like to be a Christian. Talk to Him as much as possible and be really honest. Really dig for what He has to say about Himself in the Bible. You don't have the ability to change anyone but yourself, so get honest with God and hand Him your whole life and watch what the Holy Spirit can do. I am reminded often that on my own I can do nothing, but if I lose myself in Jesus my whole life can become this incredible picture of Him to the world because He shines much much brighter than I ever could.