January 26, 2025—Are you a Christian teenager in the public school system? You are not homeschooled nor enrolled in non-Christian private schools. Yet, you find it challenging to get through your days during school. Christians seem to be bullied by nonbelievers anywhere, especially in public schools. How do I know? Because I was a bully against Christians when I was an atheist.
How do you survive from emotional, spiritual, or physical disturbances? Here are six (6) tips to encourage you:
1. The Lord is With You
Always remember Joshua 1:9 reminds us that the Lord is with us.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Ground yourself in faith and always stay connected to God.
2. Pray for Your Enemies (and non-believer friends)
Matthew 5:43-45 states:
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
If you have friends who do not believe in Jesus Christ, they are serving Satan over God. By extension, they are your enemies in the spirit. Do not let them cause you to stray against God, but pray for their unbelief.
In addition, find some Christian friends within your school, neighborhood, or church. You will need each other to strengthen your faith and pray.
3. Pray Continuously
The apostle Paul reminds us to “ pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Every morning, pray to God and invite Him into your day. Therefore, focus on God when you pray. Find a dedicated spot in your home and some time to pray. Stay consistent in your prayer life.
4. Be an Ambassador
You are called to be the light in the darkness. Light is never turned on in bright, sunny rooms but in dark places and corners. Therefore, live your life as a Christian and let your light shine. John 8:12 states:
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
In addition, Paul states that Christians are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). While Paul discussed this to “be reconciled to God,” there is something else for you to know. An ambassador is the representative of a country. As ambassadors, we must be representatives of Jesus Christ.
When I was an atheist, I did not believe in God, Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit because the Christians in my community did not display Christian characteristics. I can imagine many do not follow Christianity for the same reason.
5. Strengthen Your Vocal Chords
When Abraham’s servant found Rebekah as a wife for Isaac, his servant worshipped God on the spot.
“ Then the man bowed down his head and worshiped the Lord.“
-Genesis 24:26
I am not saying you should worship God in school, but you should make time daily to sing and praise Him for all He has done. When you worship, do as Abraham’s servant did.
Furthermore, when Jesus visited the Samaritan Woman, He told her that those who worship God must worship God in spirit and truth. Stay focused on God when you worship and remain in the spirit.
6. Teach the Law
In his epistle to the church in Rome, Paul confirms that he would not know what sin was if he didn’t know the law (Romans 7:7). If you spend time arguing with peers about Jesus being good, you will never convince them that Jesus is their Messiah.
Instead, take them through the law (the Ten Commandments) and ask if they have done these things. Once they admit to wrongdoing under the law, explain all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
Afterward, explain that Jesus died on the cross for their sins and paid the wages for sin, which is death (Romans 6:23). Tell them that this is why Jesus shouted, “It is finished” (the debt has been paid) when He was crucified (John 19:30).
Then, take them through God’s first judgment of the world (Noah and the flood). Let them know that God will judge the world again, and all will be judged no matter their beliefs (Romans 2:6, Romans 14:12, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Isaiah 45:23, and 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Their guilty conscience should take over leading to a contrite spirit who exercises true repentance. In turn, you may make a new friend.
Accepting Jesus
If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I invite you to do so now. Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came in the flesh. Being innocent, Jesus died on the cross to pay the price of your sin.
Three days later, Jesus Christ was resurrected in the flesh. Walking in the resurrected body for 40 days, Jesus ascended to the right hand of God. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ, I invite you to do so now. All it takes is saying this prayer aloud:
God, I confess that Jesus came in the flesh and blood, paid the price for my sins, died on the cross, rose on the third day, ascended to the heavens, and sent the Holy Spirit to help me understand Your ways. For that, I accept Jesus Christ as my savior and Lord, and I welcome the Holy Spirit in my life. In Jesus’s name I pray, amen!
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