Steven Gerali - How to Stay Christian in High School

Its really hard to be a Christian; I hate it!

That was Mark talking, right after youth group. He was a typical high school sophomore tall, handsome, healthy, energetic, possessing a great sense of humor. Being outgoing and friendly, Mark hung out with lots of friends at school and church, and he loved to laugh and joke around. Mark also worked hard to get good grades, played soccer on the JV team at school, and had started a lawn-mowing business so he could save money for a car (when he got his license). Mark loved life. His enthusiasm was contagious.

Mark grew up in a Christian home from day one. The weekend after his folks brought him home from the hospital, they were in church. His family had always been active in their congregation, so Mark and his sisters never knew life apart from Christian worship and fellowship. And Marks parents were super-busy in the congregation. In fact, they did everything from teaching Sunday school to helping on cleanup days. So Mark grew up with a love for service too. He often helped wherever he could and was a vital part of the youth groups leadership core.

Mark heard all the Bible stories in Sunday school, and he loved them. He was dedicated to the Lord as an infant, asked Jesus into his life when he was seven years old, was baptized when he was ten. He recommitted his life to Christ at junior high camp in seventh grade... re-recommitted his life in eighth grade... and re-re-recommitted his life during his freshman year of high school.

It was so much easier being a Christian when I was little, Mark continued, as we sat down together at a table holding several bowls of leftover snacks from the meeting. Im really confused, because so many things about it seem contradictory. And that makes it too hard. This isnt my idea of abundant life.

What do you mean, Mark? I replied.

Well, for example, Ive been told all my life that Christians are supposed to be in the world but not of the world, right?

Right. Jesus talks about that in the gospel of John.

Okay, so I hear my parents and my youth pastor always saying I shouldnt hang out with non-Christian friends. Christians arent supposed to go to parties or have [he makes air quotes here] unequally yoked relationships. A lot of my friends at church are homeschooled or going to Christian schools. That way they can stay separated from the influences of the world. But Im in public school, so I get attitude from my Christian friends when I miss youth group activities because of soccer. My youth pastor has even confronted me about my priorities.

But heres the thing: Every time we have an outreach event at youth group, they tell us to bring our non-Christian friends! Can you believe that? Im expected to be a witness to my non-Christian friends. Dont you see the mixed message Im not supposed to have any non-Christian friends! How can I have non-Christian friends if I cant hang out with them? If I cant hang out with them, then theyll only be casual friends. And you cant talk about deep things like a relationship with Christ with casual friends.