I’m Young. How Can I Live the Christian Life?
Introduction
As a young person, living the Christian life can seem challenging. The temptations and pressures of the world often pull us in the opposite direction of following Christ. However, God has given us guidance and principles in His Word to help us navigate these difficult waters. By prioritizing our relationship with God, surrounding ourselves with Christian community, being in the Word, pursuing purity, and living on mission, young believers can grow in maturity and bear fruit for the kingdom.
Prioritize Your Relationship with God
The most important thing for a young Christian is cultivating your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. All other aspects of the Christian life flow out of this. Set aside regular quiet time to read the Bible, journal, and pray (Psalm 5:3, Mark 1:35). Seek him first, and everything else will fall into place (Matthew 6:33).
Be intentional about your time with God. Develop spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, Scripture memory, fasting, and worship. Schedule this time in advance and guard it. You may wake up early or give up screen time at night. Through spiritual disciplines, we experience God’s presence and grow closer to him.
Surround Yourself with Christian Community
Finding Christian friends you can share life with is also vital. We all need godly counsel, accountability, and encouragement (Proverbs 27:17, Hebrews 10:24-25). Plugging into a strong local church gives you a body of believers to worship with, serve alongside, and spur you on. Get involved in a small group Bible study for discipleship and support. Seek out older mentors who can impart wisdom.
The people we spend time with shape who we become. Surrounding yourself with wise Christians protects you from negative influences and strengthens your walk. Their godly example challenges you to grow. Look for friends serious about pursuing Christ, not just the lukewarm and nominal. Iron sharpens iron.
Be in the Word
Reading the Bible is how we hear from God, gain wisdom for life, and renew our minds (Psalm 119:105, Romans 12:2). Set aside time daily to read Scripture and ask God to speak to you. Download a Bible app or get an audio version to listen on your commute. Scripture memorization helps the Word sink into your heart and combat sin (Psalm 119:11).
Go beyond just checking off your quiet time box. Seek to understand and apply what you read with journaling and meditation. Talk about Scripture with Christian friends and mentors. Let the Bible guide your beliefs, values and decisions as the Spirit renews your mind. The more time spent in the Word, the more impact it will have on your life.
Pursue Purity
As a young person, remaining sexually pure can be extremely challenging in today’s hypersexualized culture. But Scripture calls us to honor God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Purity requires intention. Have boundaries for dating. Refrain from pornography and entertainment promoting lust. Fill your mind with things honorable (Philippians 4:8). Avoid compromise that can slowly desensitize your conscience.
Of course, we will stumble. But don’t let failure be an excuse for lowering your standard. Repent quickly and run back to God when you fall (1 John 1:9). Purifying your thought life weakens lust’s power over you. Ask God for grace to live honorably and wait patiently for marriage. The temporary pleasures of sin can never compare to the eternal joy of obedience.
Live on Mission
Rather than self-centeredness, living on mission for Christ should mark the young believer. Use your youthful passion and energy to further God’s Kingdom! Jesus commands us to go, make disciples, serve the least, and be his witnesses (Matthew 28:19-20, Matthew 25:40, Acts 1:8). There are always people in need of God’s love and hope all around you—at your school, workplace, and city.
Step out in faith and share the gospel. Start spiritual conversations pointing people to Jesus. Volunteer with ministries reaching the homeless, elderly or disadvantaged. Go on short-term mission trips to give and serve. When you live for God’s greater purposes beyond yourself, your faith comes alive. Say yes and watch how God uses you!
Facing Doubts with Faith
As you launch into adulthood, you’ll likely face doubts and uncertainties about your faith. The way of the cross often feels at odds with the values of our culture. During difficult seasons, reflect on the faithfulness God has shown you. Recall specific prayers he’s answered and provision he’s given. God promises never to leave or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). The same Spirit who saved you remains at work transforming you.
Yes, following Jesus is counter-cultural—it involves sacrifice and suffering. But he offers abundant life now and eternal rewards we can’t yet imagine (John 10:10, 1 Corinthians 2:9). Cling to Christ in the challenges. Pursuing him wholeheartedly, though costly, is infinitely worth it. We live by faith, not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Fix your eyes on Jesus, not your circumstances (Hebrews 12:2). Your doubts cannot change the truth and hope of the gospel.
Navigating Relationships
Dating and relationships become more serious in young adulthood. Approach them prayerfully and wisely. Don’t just look for physical attractiveness and charm—seek someone who loves Jesus and shares your values. Guard against emotional entanglements dragging you into sin. Date intentionally, not recreationally, when considering marriage.
Sexual activity outside of marriage violates God’s plan for intimacy (1 Corinthians 6:18). Wait patiently for the right person and right timing. Don’t buy into our culture’s distorted views on sex, dating, and marriage. The world’s ways often lead to pain and regret. Do relationships God’s way. Let him direct your paths to avoid heartache and open the right doors.
Making Wise Career Choices
Seeking God’s will for your education and career is also crucial. Pray about which path to take. Submit your desires and talents to him. Be wise and responsible with school and work, not slothful (Colossians 3:23). Let integrity and excellence, not selfish ambition, drive you. View your vocation as a calling from God, serving people and magnifying him.
Steward your finances wisely also. Avoid debt that enslaves you. Tithe faithfully and generously support ministries making a difference (Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). God will honor those who honor him. Seek first his Kingdom in all you do—he will provide what you need (Matthew 6:33). Trust him to open the right doors at the right time.
Overcoming Disappointment and Discouragement
When your plans and dreams don’t seem to be panning out, resist discouragement. Give your unmet hopes and frustrations to God. His ways and timing are higher than yours (Isaiah 55:8-9). What he withholds is just as loving as what he gives. Wait patiently on the Lord to work, even if you don’t understand (Psalm 37:7).
Disappointments often prepare you for something greater ahead. Don’t box God in with your rigid expectations. He promises to work all things for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). Rest in God’s sovereign plan. Let surrender and trust displace doubt and anxiety. He will direct your steps as you commit your way to him (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Standing Strong in Temptation
Temptations will inevitably come, but God provides the power to stand firm. Flee from sin and pursue righteousness (1 Corinthians 6:18, 2 Timothy 2:22). Avoid compromising situations and fill your mind with truth. Scripture says God will always provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Call on him the moment temptation strikes. Take radical action if needed to remove stumbling blocks.
When you fail, don’t listen to the accusations of the devil. Repent quickly and turn back to Christ, asking forgiveness (1 John 1:9). He offers mercy and grace to the humble. Learn from your mistakes and put better safeguards in place. God’s strength is shown perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Rely on the Spirit within you to say no and stand victorious.
Finding Joy in the Journey
Despite the challenges, walking with Christ as a young person is a great adventure! With him, you can live out dreams and embrace the wonder of youth. Bring him your passions and watch how he redeems them for his glory. God cheers you on as you run after his purposes for your life. Sheer joy comes from being fully surrendered, obedient, and dependent on him.
Delight yourself in the Lord, not just his blessings (Psalm 37:4). Knowing Christ surpasses everything this world offers. Serving him and making an impact for eternity is life’s greatest privilege. Follow him wholeheartedly in the strength he provides. Fulfillment comes from pursuing God’s plan, not your own. He is worthy of your all—you won’t regret giving him your youth.
Conclusion
The Christian life requires effort, intentionality and perseverance for a young person. But God promises to be with you each step of the journey. Walk closely with him through spiritual disciplines. Surround yourself with godly community. Be rooted in Scripture. Make choices guided by wisdom, not fleeting desires. Stay pure and live on mission.
Despite changing tides, Jesus Christ remains the same faithful shepherd, guiding you to streams of living water. Build your life on him. He is the only unshakable foundation. Trust Christ to direct your paths, sustain you through trials, help you overcome failure, and lead you into abundant life. With him, your future is secure and full of hope.