But what will my friends say…?

Do I look good now? I guess I should say something so that I at least sound a bit interesting… I don’t like this joke, but I should laugh a bit so I'm not completely left out.  I definitely don’t want to come across as boring.

It is not so easy to be young today. There is a lot of pressure, and many demands if I want everyone to approve of me. What my friends say and think is especially important. But what if that prevents me from living the way God really wants for me, a life of complete freedom from people?

What am I longing for, deep in my heart? Do I want to be completely free from these strong ties that bind me, all those thoughts about what the others think about me?

God is for me!

There is a completely different life. I'm destined for a completely different life.

“…just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love…” Ephesians 1:4.

God saw me, knew me and loved me even before He created the earth. He wants me to live in freedom from sin, the only thing that can make me really happy and free. Imagine being able to stand blameless before God, every single day! With this focus, I get a whole new perspective on life.

When God gets my whole heart, He can shine light where there was darkness before. Where I didn’t know what to do, He begins to show me where I should go to be completely free from anxious thoughts and the fear of man. God's Word, the Bible, is a guideline, a yardstick to measure my thoughts with. And with God’s strength I can choose to turn away thoughts that are not good and pure and hopeful! That is victory!

And God really supports those who give their heart completely to Him. In Romans 8:31 it’s written, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

God is for me! Is there any reason then to worry about what my friends will say? Should I still be thinking about what the others think about me and my appearance? Should I still be concerned about my facade? Not at all! I can lift my head and live for God. He has more than enough power to help me, no matter who I am.

The best counselor in the world

When I live for God, I become a champion for all the good. A brake for evil.

I am better able to be a true help for my friends, because I have the best counselor in the world. When I let the Spirit lead me and show me what to do, I can learn to make good decisions and choices that will also be good for those around me. I am conscious of something more than just the facade. Think about how much that helps my friends!

A true example for my friends

When I believe in the living God, and follow the commandments He gives me, I become a true example. The Bible writes about being a head and not a tail. Instead of following the others in behavior and thoughts, I can follow Jesus in my behavior and thoughts. Then I keep God’s commandments, and all His promises are mine!

“And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.” Deuteronomy 28:13.

He only wants to make me happy and free. First here on earth, and then later in eternity.