Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Even More





“I’m just so tired of being good. Tired of sticking out; not fitting in! At school today the guys were talking about how “hot” the new girl is. Then one of them said, “Yeah, but she won’t do anything because she came from a Christian school. You know Christians won’t do anything!” It’s like we’re abnormal or something!” It was painfully clear that Hannah was frustrated. Stuck in a world where right is wrong and wrong is right, she seems to be getting worn out with going against the crowd.
Do you ever feel this way too? I do! It all can look SO great – a world revolving around music, clothes, photo opps for FaceBook, guys. Yet when we do “go there” it just feels wrong. Are there certain places or events that cause you to try to be a part of a crowd that isn’t best for you? What's a girl to do?

I think Paul got it. I’m glad he did because what he said sure helps me feel like I’m not alone. In 1 Thessalonians 4 he encourages his friends to keep living in a way that pleases God; in fact, do it even more!

Maybe that is the answer. Instead of trying to be the kid in the middle – a little bit Christian and a little bit like everyone else, we should try going all out! Maybe we should go God’s way and just see what happens. Maybe, just maybe, there is another girl who feels this way too and wants to go all out for God, but doesn't want to do it alone? Where can you find a girl like that? Christian club at school? Youth group at church?

In another book, Paul gives us a little heads up about what can happen if we do. In Galatians 6:9 he tell us to keep on doing what pleases God, not because you have to follow some list of rules, but doing it out of love! The results will be a life filled with God’s goodness. Now, sometimes that those good things don’t show up right away. But I have seen it happen! I have seen time after time when God completely blows my mind away by bringing things into my life I just never thought of! Try it; try Him! You just might find He’s the answer you’ve been looking for!

How do you start? Try replacing the things that are pulling you away from God with some time with Him. Get a new devotional book that will really challenge you to move forward in your relationship with Him.




Galatians 6:9 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (NLT)

1 Thessalonians 4:1, "One final word, friends. We ask you—urge is more like it—that you keep on doing what we told you to do to please God, not in a dogged religious plod, but in a living, spirited dance. You know the guidelines we laid out for you from the Master Jesus. God wants you to live a pure life." (The Message)