http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/ en Copyright 2008 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:05:00 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss So you want to share your faith with your pals, but not sure how to get started? Here are a few tips to steer you in the right direction. Prayer is the E in electricity – and the P in power! Pray first, share second. When the moment of opportunity comes, ask some conversation-openers like:

• Do you go to church with your family anywhere?
• Do you have any special beliefs about God or Jesus?
• Do you think there’s a heaven or hell?
• When you die, where do you think you’ll go?
• If what you believe now isn’t true, would you like to know about it?

Thumbs down! If they don’t seem interested, don’t push, and don’t take it personally – it’s God’s job to change hearts. Keep praying. Thumbs Up! If they act interested, move forward with one of these great options:

• Tell them about Jesus dying on the cross and how He wants to have a personal relationship with them. Explain your story – how you came to believe in Jesus and how He’s changed your life and wants to change their life too, OR:
• Beforehand, mark or write down a few Bible versus you can read and discuss with them. Some great verses you can choose from are Romans 6:23, John 14:6, Romans 10:9-10, I John 5:11-13, John 5:24, Revelation 3:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, OR:
• Tell them there’s a great teacher at your church (youth group or Sunday school), friend or parent who’d be happy to chat more about this and then follow through.

Emphasize that being a Christian is lifetime relationship with Jesus - like a BFF - not just a casual momentary event. Before moving on, ask some questions to find out it they’re ready for the next step:

• Do you want forgiveness of your sins, friendship with the One True amazing God, and the opportunity to live forever on a brand new earth with Him?
• Do you believe that Jesus died on a cross and rose to life for you?
• Are you willing to make Jesus the boss of your life?
• Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life now?

If you start into any these option and get stumped by their questions, tell them they can talk to someone you know for more help (at home or church), then invite them to visit that person with you as soon as possible. And of course, don’t forget to invite them to church! Written by: Julie Ferweda, Between Us Girls B&H Publishing Group grants permission to use this excerpt as originally published in Between Us Girls, c. 2008. ]]> http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/07/i_want_to_share_my_faith_with_others_but_dont_know_how_any_advice.html http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/07/i_want_to_share_my_faith_with_others_but_dont_know_how_any_advice.html Spiritual Growth Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:05:00 -0600 Think about it….. Maybe it’s not cutting, but are you addicted to other things or do things because you feel bad about yourself? (i.e. shopping, eating, exercising, etc.) For additional information on teen cutting, click here. ]]> http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/06/i_recently_discovered_that_a_f.html http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/06/i_recently_discovered_that_a_f.html Body/Beauty Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:14:35 -0600 Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.” Psalms is a really great book of the Bible to read when you are going through a hard time. Try to read a Psalm a day and write down in a journal what the Psalm is talking about and how that particular Psalm speaks to you. Sometimes in order to get close to people it is important to open up to them and let them know that you are having a hard time. Is there a friend or a mentor you trust that you can talk to? Just share with them what you feel and ask them to pray with you. If you do not know anyone, ask your youth minister or pastor if they would be willing to meet and pray with you. And take a look around, I bet there are others around you too who might feel the same. Please do not give up hope. God is a God of comfort and a God of love. He cares for you; tell Him what you’re feeling and rest in His strength and grace. ]]> http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/05/lately_ive_been_feeling_completely_and_utterly_alone_i_have_friends_but_i_dont_feel_close_to_anyone_what_do_i_do.html http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/05/lately_ive_been_feeling_completely_and_utterly_alone_i_have_friends_but_i_dont_feel_close_to_anyone_what_do_i_do.html Friendship Thu, 01 May 2008 00:05:00 -0600 It’s easier said than done, but be patient. In telling him how you feel, are you hoping that he will realize the same for you? If he did, would you really want your relationship to begin that way – knowing that he only responded or liked you once you proclaimed your feelings? Guard your heart. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Keep this in mind as well: when you are delighted in the Lord, your desire becomes what He desires for you (Psalm 37:4). It's not bad liking or crushing on boys. The only time wanting something (in this case, a boyfriend) is wrong is when (a) you know it's not in God's perfect will for you, or (b) you begin to break the Lord's commands in order to obtain your desire. The Lord will give you the desire of your heart. Let's pretend that a girl (let's call her Marie) likes a boy. Marie sees qualities in him that are fitting for a boyfriend, qualities that she admires. She is even in love with his faith and love for God. It is not wrong for Marie to hope that God's plan includes this boy in her future. It would become wrong, however, if Marie broke God's natural order of things, which is that the man is the leader and initiator, and pursued this boy. If she did that, it would prove not only that she is looking for satisfaction in the boy, but also that she does not trust God. If she had found delight in the Lord, and not the boy, she could be patient and trust that if God did not grant her request that he would have something even greater. Your job is to pursue the Lord, and His job will is to either change your desires to what is fitting to his will, or to give you what you wish for. Pray that you would not delight in a boyfriend or the blessing, but that you would simply delight in the Lord. God's plans may or may not include dating this boy, and He will give you wisdom through His Word whether or not it is the best thing right now. After all, not every crush will end up in a relationship. There are a ton of guys in this world; some will want to date you and other won’t. But when you think about it, the only guy who you really want to even attract in the end is your husband. It’s hard, but be patient. ]]> http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/04/i_like_a_boy_but_i_do_not_thin_1.html http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/04/i_like_a_boy_but_i_do_not_thin_1.html Guys Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:05:00 -0600 What a challenging question! I am going to try and answer this straight from scripture! The first thing to understand is that Israel is God's chosen nation, but God loves the people of Israel just as much as he loves you and me. Remember that we are all created in God's image (Gen 1:27) and we are his children when we believe in Him and receive Him. 1 John 3:1 says, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God." The exciting news is that God loves everyone AS MUCH AS HE POSSIBLY CAN, His love was shown on the cross, and it is enough to cover all of our sins. (I promise I am getting to your question.) God chose Israel to be the venue for which this love, salvation through Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection, was made available to the whole world. Let me explain. Galatians 3:8-9 says, "The scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: 'All nations will be blessed through you.' So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith." God appointed Abraham as the father of Israel, the "founder" of the Jewish nation, if you will, and He promised that all the nations of the world would blessed through his descendants. What does this mean? Jesus Christ descended from Abraham and David, fulfilling two major prophesies of the Old Testament. Since Jesus (God in the flesh) came and lived a holy life on earth, was crucified on the cross, and physically rose again on the third day, all nations are able to have eternal life. Israel was chosen because the precious Savior of the world would come through its offspring and make righteousness available to each of us. I encourage you to study Romans 4 for a deeper explanation of this. Israel is distinct because through Jesus, all nations are able to be saved. For reasons that we cannot see, we do not know why God chose Israel as opposed to any other nation. We have to remember that God works all things out for His glory and for our good if we love Him. He is the potter, we are the clay. Romans 9:21 says, "Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?" In other words, God may choose do to things a certain way, and even if we cannot see why, we can trust Him because he is GOD. He always works for His glory. And if we love Him, we do not have to be afraid of God's sovereign choice because we also know that He is working for our ultimate good as well (Romans 8:28). ]]> http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/03/why_does_god_love_israel_so_much_.html http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/03/why_does_god_love_israel_so_much_.html Spiritual Growth Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:06:00 -0600 Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.” ]]> http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/03/my_parents_say_i_talk_back_too.html http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/03/my_parents_say_i_talk_back_too.html Family Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:05:00 -0600 Thank you so much for your honest heart! I know we can all relate to those times of boredom, busyness or disinterest in our faith. But rather than pretending with our Creator, don’t you think He at least deserves our honesty? After all, growth never blooms from denial. So, what do you do? For starters, tell God! If you truly desire to know Him more, then He will be faithful to change your heart. God wants you to know Him, too. According to I John 5:14-15, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him.” Even when we feel distant from God, He is still with us. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” The Greek word for never is “ou” - which means “not at all, in no way, and absolutely not.” Put the two together and the Lord of your life is simply saying, “In no way will I leave you, not at all will I forsake you.” Even Matthew echoes this same sentiment, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age [28:20].” So, we can know for certain that He is always with us, even when we aren’t feelin’ Him! And second, get soaked in the Bible. God reveals Himself to us through His word [John 1], and that is where He wants you to seek. Getting in the Word will also change your heart. “The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates, even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitude of the heart[Hebrew 4:12]." In times like these, studying the Name of God has helped me fall back in love with my Savior. For His names are true to His nature and His very being – and you can’t help but love that! For once you know a little of Him, you will want to know more! Additional Reading “You will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all of your heart.” [Jeremiah 29:13] “Listen to me and treasure my instructions, tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord. And you will gain knowledge of God.” [Proverbs 2:1-5] ]]> http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/03/lately_ive_been_having_a_hard_time_getting_interested_in_god_i_want_to_know_him_as_my_personal_savior_and_father_but_i_get_bored_or_busy_any_advice.html http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/03/lately_ive_been_having_a_hard_time_getting_interested_in_god_i_want_to_know_him_as_my_personal_savior_and_father_but_i_get_bored_or_busy_any_advice.html Spiritual Growth Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:05:00 -0600 Don't give up. Proverbs 18:24 says, "There are friends who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother." There is no greater gift you can give your friend than "sticking closer than a brother." Keep asking your friend to church but also ask her to functions that you might have outside of church. You may even want to get a group of your church friends together and invite your friend to hang out with all of you. Encouragement goes a long way, you just can’t give up. You never know when you might get a “yes” response! Pray for your friend. My brother stopped going to church for a year. I asked him over and over if he would come to church with me and he always made up some lame excuse. I decided that there was nothing that I could do to change his mind (or heart), so I gave him over to God. When I began to pray for my brother everyday I began to see God work miracles in his life. When you pray for your friend, expect God to answer your request. Once you begin to see progress, keep praying. When your friend begins to open up, tell her that you are praying for her and ask her if she has any specific needs that you can pray about. If there is less of you, there is more room for God to work in and through the situation. He is faithful, so keep the faith! Additional Reading Hebrews 10:23-25 Proverbs 27:17 Romans 15: 7-9 Proverbs 27:17 I Peter 3: 8-9 ]]> http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/03/my_best_friend_doesnt_want_to.html http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/03/my_best_friend_doesnt_want_to.html Friendship Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:05:00 -0600 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." James 1:2-3 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds; Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." To address the second part of your question, your relationship with God needs to be FRESH - and EXCITING. If your current Bible study practices aren't working, try something new. Maybe a different location or a different time of day. Always open with a prayer to Him stating: "Lord I need to hear from you today; Clearly show me through Your Word how I can become a better servant for you and how I can develop our relationship more intimately." Also - I address God reverently - However, I also address Him as my friend. Talk to Him as you would your best friend. Don't feel the need to concentrate on "wordy-words" or a language that you don't normally speak. He knows your heart. The important thing is to not give up, keep pursuing Him – for He is always with us. Meditate

• Psalm 20:6
• Psalm 40:1-3
• Psalm 37:4-5
• Psalm 55:16-18
• Proverbs 3:5-6
• Matthew 7:7-11
• Luke 12:7
• I Peter 3:12

]]> http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/02/why_do_we_fall_from_our_lord_w.html http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/02/why_do_we_fall_from_our_lord_w.html Spiritual Growth Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:05:00 -0600 As I read your question, I am thinking that this girl shouldn’t be considered a “best friend.” Real friends care about each other and don’t spread secrets, no matter how “juicy” they are. Spreading secrets is gossip and girls gossip because they want attention. There is almost no other time that people will listen more intently than to someone’s gossip. This is very sad because there is someone getting hurt, and in this case it was you. If you feel you cannot trust your friend any longer, I suggest that you remain a friend to her and be polite, but don’t tell her things you don’t want everyone to know. Be a model for her and don’t listen to gossip from her, or anyone else. I know this is a big challenge. People may look at you funny when you stop them from talking about other people in a way you know will hurt their feelings, but it will be fun. Try giving them a silly face back and politely tell them you can’t listen to gossip! I wish I could be there. I know a Jr. High girl who plugs her ears with her fingers, sticks her tongue out, and says “la la la la la la” when someone starts gossiping. If she keeps this up, people will learn not to come to her with gossip. I would also suggest that you find a Christian woman that you respect (your Mom would be ideal, but I realize that doesn’t work in all situations) and feel that you can share important secrets with. I had one in my life and she helped me survive my Jr. High and High school years. She was a safe place to share all of my problems and fears, and she gave me wisdom when I was facing tough times. If you do not have a woman in mind, ask your Sunday school teacher or pastor at church if they can help you find a woman who would be willing to spend time with you. I challenge you to forgive your friend the wrong that she has done and also ask yourself if you need to ask for forgiveness for any wrong that you may have done. It is amazing how God can teach a lesson through gossip. He teaches us the importance of controlling our tongue and He shows us how important it is to be a good example to those around us. http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/02/i_had_this_really_big_secret_and_had_told_one_of_my_best_friends_i_thought_i_could_trust_her_but_she_ended_up_telling_the_entire_school_what_do_i_do_.html http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/02/i_had_this_really_big_secret_and_had_told_one_of_my_best_friends_i_thought_i_could_trust_her_but_she_ended_up_telling_the_entire_school_what_do_i_do_.html Friendship Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:51:23 -0600

dating a guy who doesn’t hold your same values and beliefs,

dating a guy who doesn’t have the same boundary line and respect your boundary line,

being alone with your boyfriend for extended periods of time,

watching shows and movies that depict sex and sexual activity as a recreational hobby,

reading sexually suggestive books (romance novels and smutty teen fiction like Gossip Girls), and

not having a firm game plan for where your boundary line is—figure it out on the front end rather than after the fact!

Here are some things you will need if you are to stand up to the challenge:

• prayer (on a regular basis); pour your heart out to God and keep the lines of communication open. Tell him you are struggling . . . ask him to help you remain pure.
• accountability: tell at least one Christian friend or mentor where your boundary line is and ask them to check in with you to see how you’re doing. Also, ask them to pray for you.
• time spent in God’s Word on a regular basis: this is where your strength will come from—without it, your tank will eventually run dry.

Regardless of when (or if) you marry, God expects you to maintain your sexual purity. It is not impossible to draw a boundary that is pleasing to God and stick with it. No, it will not be easy. Yes, some of you may slip up along the way, but this does not mean you grow callous to sexual sin and continue in that sin. It’s never too late to do the right thing. Written by: Vicki Courtney B&H Publishing Group grants permission to use this excerpt as originally printed in the book Teen Virtue Confidential c. 2007.]]> http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/02/in_a_dating_relationship_how_far_is_too_far.html http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/02/in_a_dating_relationship_how_far_is_too_far.html Guys Mon, 11 Feb 2008 06:00:00 -0600 I faced the same issue with my mom when I was growing up, and although it may not seem like it now, I imagine that someday you will thank her for not letting you wear the revealing clothes that are so popular. It’s hard when you feel different, but be encouraged! We are supposed to be different! “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Rom. 12:2) This verse reminds us that the reason we sometimes feel different from the world is because we are not of the world. God is renewing our minds to be less like the world and more like Him. The fact that you desire to be modest is great! Even women in Bible times struggled with this! For example, in 1 Timothy, the apostle Paul cautions the women, “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” (1 Tim. 2:9-10) I’m sure all the mothers back in Bible times loved this verse. Much like today, I bet the teenage girls were less than thrilled. It’s an age-old issue, but don’t make it your issue for long. Calmly talk to your mom about how you’re feeling. She’ll respect that you don’t want to stand out among your friends, but that you want to dress modestly. Maybe you can even make some compromises. For example, instead of spaghetti strap tank tops that you always have to wear something over, try sleeveless tank tops that cover more, or instead of a long pair of shorts that were made to be worn short, try a pair of board shorts instead- they’re so in right now! You may have to look a little harder, but it’s definitely possible to dress cute and be modest! ]]> http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/02/my_friends_get_to_wear_clothes_1.html http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/02/my_friends_get_to_wear_clothes_1.html Body/Beauty Mon, 04 Feb 2008 06:00:00 -0600 The art of comparison. I wish I could say that it’s simply a phase we all grow out of at some point. But our need to constantly compare ourselves with others stems from our lack of belief in accepting who we were created to be. Comparison is an unhealthy form of jealousy that can consume our every being. In knowing the power of this green monster, God includes this concept within the Ten Commandments. According to Exodus 20:17, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." As part of a social identity, we tend to categorize others based upon their age, gender, cultural heritage, religious background, economic status, and so on. From this, we tend to identify ourselves within one of these specific groups, and then begin to compare ourselves to the others. Whether we are trying to become better than another, or simply keep up with the Jones’, playing a game of comparison only seems to become an addiction. And the more we play it, the worse our self esteem seems to measure up. Henry Nouwen, author of ‘The Return of the Prodigal Son’, writes that “In a world that constantly compares people, ranking them as more or less intelligent, more or less attractive, more or less successful, it is not easy to really believe in a [divine] love that does not do the same. When I hear someone praised, it is hard not to think of myself as less praiseworthy; when I read about the goodness and kindness of other people, it is hard not to wonder whether I myself am as good and kind as they; and when I see trophies, rewards, and prizes being handed out to special people, I cannot avoid asking myself why that didn’t happen to me.” So how do we stop the madness? How do we stop comparing ourselves to others? If we are basing our identity on how we stack up to everyone around us, how and when will we ever take ownership of our identity in Christ? “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” [2 Corinthians 5:17] “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” [Ephesians 2:4-6] “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” [Ephesians 2:10] “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” [Colossians 3:12] “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."[Psalm 139:14] From this we can gather that we have fullness in Christ. We can also claim that we are who God says we are; no matter what a magazine cover, store mannequins or a television sitcom may suggest. Because we are all created for a purpose, we all have a role in God’s eternal story. Though the roles are different, as are our gifts and talents, it doesn’t diminish their importance. In Ephesians Paul emphasizes that as Christians, we are to be unified as the body of Christ. This calling on our lives cannot take affect, if we are somehow divided. Comparing ourselves may not seem like a big deal, even a little harmless competition to some; however, the division of the body of Christ is no laughing matter. Besides, why are we trying to be like everyone else and have what everyone else owns when we are trying to be our own person – the person God created us to be? ]]> http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/01/what_is_wrong_with_comparing_myself_to_others_.html http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/01/what_is_wrong_with_comparing_myself_to_others_.html Life Mon, 28 Jan 2008 06:00:00 -0600 My heart really goes out to you. I was picked on a lot at school, too. This is a terrible reality that too many people face in life. This is a very deep and painful topic, so I hesitate to broach the subject in just a small Internet column. But I do want you to know some truths that may open some doors for you. First of all, I don’t want to minimize your grief. Anyone who tells you just to get over it, or that it doesn’t matter what other people think, well, that makes you feel like you’re crazy to be sad and hurt. You’re not. Your pain is real. What’s important is what you do with it. Instead of trying to ignore it by playing “sticks and stones may break my bones…,” I want you to focus on dealing with your pain. That is, talk to God about it. Find your sense of worth in Him rather than in other people. That is a lot easier said than done. You also have to teach yourself that in the real world, relationships with people involve pain. That will never change, and you can’t control what other people say and do. So when that pain comes, turn it over to God, who is the One who does love you and accept you just the way you are, the way He created you. If you can’t teach yourself where true worth comes from (God), then you may avoid real intimacy with people in the future in order to avoid pain, and get caught up in destructive or sinful habits. You have to learn to live in the real world with real people and real pain. I encourage you to seek out a Christian professional who can teach you coping mechanisms in dealing with relational pain. The sooner you learn it, the healthier you will be throughout life. ]]> http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/01/i_always_get_picked_on_at_scho.html http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/01/i_always_get_picked_on_at_scho.html Friendship Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:06:00 -0600 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! ]]> http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/01/how_do_i_respond_when_others_at_school_think_i_am_weird_for_not_breaking_the_rules_skipping_class_cheating_etc_i_want_to_fit_in_without_being_ungodly_-_is_that_possible.html http://www.virtuousreality.com/questions/2008/01/how_do_i_respond_when_others_at_school_think_i_am_weird_for_not_breaking_the_rules_skipping_class_cheating_etc_i_want_to_fit_in_without_being_ungodly_-_is_that_possible.html Life Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:06:00 -0600