Friends and Family think I'm Weird

[FenderElctrc]

My Mom, sister, and friend have said I'm acting weird because I have become so much closer to God since March 1st. I don't see why. I was talking to my friend on the phone today and he said I was being weird because I was "so into church." (those are his words) My sister told my mom about how I added all of this stuff about God on my Myspace. My mom said I was being weird. (I don't know if she used that exact word, but along those lines) What, am I supposed to not care. Just go to church every Sunday, and spend the rest of the week how I want to live? Am I not supposed to spread the gospel? Am I supposed to take Jesus dying on the cross for me for granted? I Think Not! I will read the Bible, I will pray, I will keep a close relationship with God for the rest of my days. No one can stop me. Not even satan. I've got Jesus and satan can't touch me.

 

[sinneD]

Hey Brother, you're a new christian and you are on fire for God. You have a joy for the Lord. It's a very good thing indeed.

I know that acceptance and understanding by your peers and your family is important, but you are not doing anything wrong. They simply have not yet felt the presence of God that you have. Give them time. Perhaps your witness and testimony will bring them that same joy. Or, perhaps not. Only God knows.

I sense that they might think this a stage you are going through. That it is "weird" but it is something that will pass with time. Perhaps once they see that it isn't simply a stage, a phase, but that you are seriously committed to the Lord, then they will begin to see and share your joy.

Remember what the bible says about the word of God being "foolishness" to the world ? Leave it in God's hand. Don't despair because of any remarks they make. They just don't understand.

Peace
Dennis

 

[sistakrista]

Fender,
The longer you follow & stronger you get, your family will begin to see that you ARE serious! You keep following God & let the rest of this junk go! Your friends & family may never accept your beliefs, but keep praying for them!
God Bless You!

 

[militarymom]

I agree with sinneD. Your friends and family will eventually come around and see that your just happy about how the Lord is working in your heart. I know when I was a new christian my extended family thought I was nuts too. Just be real and live it before them. You just might be suprised about who's wishing they had that joy that you've got. YOU, can really make a difference.

 

[PraiseTheLord84]

Fender,

Are your family members saved, such as your mom? If she is, she should definitely not be the one saying your weird. Any born-again family member or friend should know that the way your acting is because of being spirit-filled and on fire for Christ and living for him/through him. They should be estatic that your at that point. I say more power to you man, continue to mention on Myspace and in person that God and Jesus bring you so much joy. It'll end up being contagious and making others want to have the same joy you already have.

 

[FenderElctrc]

Fender,

Are your family members saved, such as your mom? If she is, she should definitely not be the one saying your weird. Any born-again family member or friend should know that the way your acting is because of being spirit-filled and on fire for Christ and living for him/through him. They should be estatic that your at that point. I say more power to you man, continue to mention on Myspace and in person that God and Jesus bring you so much joy. It'll end up being contagious and making others want to have the same joy you already have.

My mom is saved. I think she's just confused as to why all of a sudden, I'm like this. My sister, I know, is having problems. She may not think it, but she's not very close. She lets her anger get the best of her. My step dad who doesn't know is definitely not saved. he goes to the catholic church every Sunday, doesn't listen(You can tell) and sins all of the time. When my mom asked him about how to get into Heaven, he said be a good person. Not good. He doesn't care about it and it shows. My dad way down in my home state of Georgia thinks it's great and I'm on the right path. As for my friend, I believe he's like my step dad. He may be a little better, but not much. He also seems like the type that can get caught up in peer pressure a lot. I believe if someone told him to smoke, he'd do it to be cool. I on the other hand, would say it's wrong out loud and make fun of them for even asking. I would tell them how bad it was. Two kids made fun of me for being a virgin. Stupid. I feel different than the generation I'm in. I feel like I don't belong. I listen to older music too. Like Lynrd Skynrd, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Queen, etc. I'm 14 years old. Whatever. God made me this way and I'm glad. It will help me live a more righteous life.

 

[Elijah2]

Fender, we were all 14 once upon a time.

Now out there is real world, and many challenges.

It's great that you feel the way you do mate, and you are a blessing to us all.

But, when a family infers that you are weird, it might pay you to pull back, and maybe you have lost a touch of reality.

My words are always be as wise as a serpent and as gentle as a dove.

A family doesn't like to have a prophet in the family. It affects their comfort zone, and where they are in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[Johnnz]

Looking back when I was a young Christian teenager (a long time ago now) I regret being quite so tied up by church and so overtly religious. The reality of adult life, and greater maturity as a Christian changed by perspectives. Now, although far more 'laid back' I am much more effective in talking about Jesus with a wide range of people.

John
NZ

 

[sinneD]

Two kids made fun of me... I feel different than the generation I'm in. I feel like I don't belong.

Yep. That about sums up the life of a christian teenager among non-christian friends.

Remember when Jesus was in His own town. The people were all saying (paraphrased) "What? Who does he think he is, telling us how to live. Isn't this that snotty little kid that grew up here?". The bible says that he didn't perform many miracles there because of their unbelief.

And in response Jesus said that a prophet receives honor everywhere except in his own home. The problem was that they knew him in the "before" and "after" stage.

You're in that same situation. People that knew you "before" can't understand the "after" you. Just be careful not to be judgemental towards them. Don't tell them they are sinners, or unsaved or anything like that. Let them see your witness by your actions, not by your words.

Be at peace, Young Brother
Dennis

 

[Determinedheart]

I think you should be very proud of yourself obviously they are noticing something different about you and even though they might not know how else to explain it except weird you are shining your light and people are noticing keep up the good work ! and keep setting an example.

 

[Robinsegg]

Take a look here:

4As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— 5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For in Scripture it says:
"See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame."[a] 7Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
"The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone,[b]"[c] 8and,
"A stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall."[d] They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. 9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Now, according to this passage, are you doing what's right or wrong? Whose opinion should matter most? Should being thought of as "weird" be a good thing or a bad thing?

Rachel

 

[w00dy]

hey man im wierd too, theres no shame in it.

but i think you should listen to your peers 'comments and feelings' without just dissmissing them out of hand as satan because they appear (to you) as being a negative force between you and the lord. i mean your friend saying 'your into church' just says hes aware of the path your life is heading, hes your pal whats he supposed to do pretend your not into church? its the comments your mum is or isnt making that i would have trouble with. i have often found myself using my loved ones as a mirror to my life reflecting and deflecting my own unvoiced feelings (and there own of course) off them so i can draw a picture of how i feel without ever really having to think about it. im sure many people do the same but have never even realised or cared to think about it. maybe your mother may just be worried that you are becoming a bit overly zelous (im not saying i think you are) and that you should chill and not start or join a cult or anything (of course the easy fix is to envolve your mum show her what you like, and why your into jesus and stuff). it would be easy to roll off the 'he who leaves his parents, and family and friends and stuff for me' quotes (i think theres two very similar lines 1 after the other in m,m,l or j somewhere that say this). instead i would recall the story of that dude on this donkey that wouldnt go forward because there was an angel in his path that the dude couldnt see. just dont beat your mother up coz she doesnt understand your life. im chuft for you that you are so obviously into the lord, and i hope you allways are.btw weirds cool, its well better than normal, your free of many of the constraints we cast on each other, its a light burden that leaves you a freer mind. god bless

 

[LivingLifeHisWay]

You are on fire for the Lord and that is such a precious and beautiful thing. Don't let others discourage you. Just always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have...when people ask you why you are acting the way you are....tell them....Jesus is changing me from the inside out. The changes they see happening are the active expression of your faith.

Keep on running the race my friend!!!!