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Did you know most people make decisions to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ during their teen years? Oh sure it happens at other times in life, but statistically, young people seem to be more sensitive to the gospel message. Also, it's during the teen years most believers make decisions to serve the Lord in full time ministry. For these reasons, teens have important responsibilities toward other teens: the responsibility of telling their friends about salvation through Jesus Christ: the responsibility to encourage other Christian teens to commit their lives to serving God. Of all the age groups in our society, teens are most susceptible to peer pressure. No other age group cares more about what others their age think and believe. So, teenage Christians, potentially have the greatest opportunity for reaching and impacting other teens. They know the struggles and issues of the day teens wrestle with. They spend great amounts of time with other teens.
OK! So you see you have this incredible mission field right in front of you, but are you taking advantage of this teen advantage? Think of your own testimony before your teen friends. Is it making them thirsty for spiritual things or do they see you as being “just like any teen?” There's a song that says, “You're the only Jesus some will ever see.” Think about that for a moment. What do your friends see in you?
Do they see a caring person?
Do they see a teenage friend moral and honest?
Do they see a friend faithfully attending church?
Do they see someone truly committed to God in every area of their life?
If your life is going to make your unbelieving friends thirsty spiritually, it needs to be different from the lives of the ordinary worldly teenager. All right, so they see you're different. Now what?
Take a stand and be bold for Jesus!
Let people know you're a Christian. This can be accomplished without opening your mouth, but when you do open your mouth, it would be great to confirm it and not blow it. It's so much easier letting your friends know right up front, “I’m born again…” Instead of playing along with them to fit in. You’ll never simply fit in…. you are different; you belong to the royal bloodline! You are commanded to come out and be separate…that’s why you can just fit in with the world, the Holy Ghost loves you too much to let you.
Don’t be the Holy Ghost police or the Holier than though saint with your nose up in the air either. Jesus wants you to be you, but using his Spirit inside to keep you balanced and in check! Remember, we’re saved by grace through faith!
Sometimes we can be afraid of what others will say. Or we can fear loosing potential friends. If you really cared about your friends, wouldn't you want them to be saved so they will not spend eternity in Hell? Of course you would! So don't be afraid to tell others what you believe. The bible says, “Speak the truth in love.” You do believe it don't you? Well then, be confident in God's word! Take a stand for Jesus Christ right in front of your friends. It’s time to walk the talk and talk the walk—we are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ!!
To get started with your witness, every teen should ask, “Whom am I impacting for Christ?” Don't be a secret agent Christian teen, sneaking around under cover with none of your friends knowing your true identity as a born again believer. Go over in your mind what you want to tell your friends when the door of opportunity arises. And by all means, if your friends seem like they've locked the door to their minds, at least jiggle the key in the lock with some provoking questions and most of all a spiritually provoking life style."
Remember, you’re not alone…you plus God is the majority!!
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