As a teenager I know one of the gib concerns you have is to fit in and be one of the crowd. You want to be accepted, whether your at school, or among your christian peers at Church services. As individuals, and members of Christ's body we're not supposed to fit in and be a part of the crowd. We are to live as Christ lived and be an example of him. We are to be set a part from the world because we are Christians and our lives are to be a repleca of Christs. The way we act, speak, and treat others should reflect Christ. It's easier said than done sometimes, but it's what we must do. We're here on earth to praise God, not please
ourselves. There are much better ways to occupy our time besides being entertained by things God hates. Yes, you may enjoy it and you may feel that you fit in, but do you fit in with God's family while you're watching those movies or playing those games.
Another thing we need to look at is the influence things actually do have on us. We can't decieve ourselves into thinking we won't be infuluence. I've seen in my own life how easily I've been influenced by others. I have a book that talks about Christians and their relationships with people of the world. It gives an example of
Peter Pagan and Katie Christian. Katie Christian is standing on a chair and Peter Pagan is standing on the floor next to her. She is supposed to try to puul him up and he is supposed to bring her down. He brought her down. It's easier to be influenced towards wrong. Sure, Jerry's mom might have let him see that movie, but we're not Jerry or his mom. We our ourselves, we have to live our own lives according to God's word. We aren't going to answer for what other people do, we are going to have to answer for what we do.
One last thing, always remember taht no matter what, God is with you. Jesus is sitting beside you while you're watching that R rated movie. He's sitting there while you're playing that M rated video game. Your parents may not knkow about what your doing, but God does. Jesus is always right there with you. Ask yourself before you watch a movie or play a video game, would I be doing this if I could see Jesusu here with me? Would I take Jesusu to see taht movie with me? You may not see him with you, but he's there. Sure, you may not fit in, you may get teased. In the long run who's going to benefit? You who followed God's word in
everything, or those who went to see that movie even though they knew they probably shouldn't. It's not always easy, but it's well worth it. As Christians we all struggle with things of the world, and that's why it's important that we be there for each other and help each other out. I hope this has helped you, I know what everyone has said has helped me.
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