How can I be a better Chrisitian?

Question

I love the Lord and when I think about it, I do appreciate what he has done for me, but this fire that people talk about, I am not sure I am feeling it. Sometimes I get so emotional when my prayers have been answered and I am so greatful but I don't always walk around feeling this way. I am saved, I will go to heaven when I am done here but I am afraid I am dissapointing him and don't know where to start to stop.

Answer 1

I believe that we go through 3 major processes.

Discovery - Investigating, questioning, exploring new ideas.
Knowledge - Come to an understanding of these ideas.

I think a lot of people stop here but the last step is the most important.

Wisdom - Applying the knowledge in daily life.

It sounds like you need to apply and practice your beliefs in your daily life.

Love God, Love others, Love yourself

Answer 2

This happens alot especially w/ people who have been Christians from their youths.

First, don't worry about not "feeling" it all the time. You are made in a unique way, the way God wanted to make you! And while others may "feel" something, if you don't it's not a problem.

However, if you want to know God better, that is a great thing!
There is no formula. You simply want an intimacy w/ God. A closeness...knowing Him. And remember He loves you and wants to be close to you! Approach it the way you would any close relationship.

Loving Him is the greatest commandment.

Some reading you might consider:

Zeph 3

Waking the Dead, by John Eldridge. I'm a big Eldridge fan, and he addresses this issue. Also consider Journey of Desire and Sacred Romance by him.

The Divine Conspiracy, by Dallas Willard.

Answer 3

The Bible is full of Islamic prophesies. One that I recall is in genesis ~from the seed of Ishmael I will create a great nation and from him 12 princes will be descendant of. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the only one to claim to be from prophet Ishmael plus he had 12 righteous descendants, as also stated in bukhari. The Bible also says that false prophets will not be successful but in the not to far off future, Islam will be the largest religion in this planet. Plus prophet Abraham and prophet Ishmael build the Kaba, and prophet Ishmael is buried there beside the building. Note, prophet Jesus did not have a father and was born of a Virgin Mary with the spirit, but prophet Adam had neither a mother or father and was made of the spirit without any previous human connection. If prophet Jesus brought the dead person to life, prophet Moses brought an inanimate piece of wood into a snake which is more miraculous. What is the miracle of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)? A Book, the Holy Qur'an, unchanged with proof for 1400 years, what other book can claim this? And if you think it was just good book keeping, there is a verse there claiming that God will protect the Holy Qur'an from any changes. Also the banned Bible according to St. Barnabas clearly states that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) will come after prophet Jesus.

Answer 4

First, I'm SO happy to hear you want to try to be better.

You're just in the wrong mindset. Being a Christian isn't all about being good. Being good isn't what saved us, Jesus did. So loving Jesus should be our motivation to be good.

The best way to get closer to God is to spend more time with Him. Read your Bible, get a devotional (try Want More: Joy by Jeanette Hanscome), and pray. Find a mentor (a youth group leader, pastor, maybe your parents...) and have them help you grow.

I'll pray for you too! Don't worry about "feeling it." Christianity isn't about emotions and being the most spritiual. However, the closer you get to God and his Son, and the more you let the Holy Spirit guide you, the more joyful you'll be and the easier it will be to avoid temptation.

About Sinning. Yeah, we all sin, I know you know that. But you're never going to stop. You can certainly get better about it, but as a human, it'll always be a part of you until you get to Heaven.

But here's a tip-memorize scripture. The more of the Bible you have in your head, the harder it is for sin to fit in.

I'm so glad you know you'll go to heaven. It's so exciting, isn't it???

I'll see you up there!!!

Answer 5

I'M A CHRISTIAN - By Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin."
I'm whispering "I was lost,"
Now I'm found and forgiven.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
who received God's good grace, somehow.

Author ~Maya Angelou~

I thought this was a neat poem by Maya Angelou, and I think it sums up most peoples lives.
The fire that you talk about, you are not going to feel all the time, we are humans, its impossible,If it were true that people felt this fire we would have all gone up in smoke along time ago, it would be so hot on earth, The more you try to please the lord, the more Satan seems to get in the way, I received a cute saying the other day , it said, "When The Devil Knocks, say Jesus answer the door for me"

Answer 6

Live your life for you not for someone you have never met (God, Jesus, etc.) Just because your prayers have been answered doesn't mean it wasn't simply fate or just life working its magic.
I'm sure many people are in worse situations then you and have prayed to no end with no results. So what makes you so special and others ignored? Do you think the AIDS crisis in Africa, for instance, could be avoided by simple prayer? I think if there really was a God, he or she would not let so much suffering going on in return for your little favours.

Answer 7

Our Lord Jesus Christ asked that the children come onto Him. Children are without sin. With patience and guidance and direction in the Word of God the children grow and become adults.
Jesus knows the point you have reached thus far. His Word is a lamp unto you feet. Meaning the road is lit up for you. Take the steps, one at a time in life always asking the Father in Jesus Christ name for help along the way. You'll do fine. Have faith. Remember faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of God. Also faith is not a noun but a verb.

Answer 8

Perhaps the way to be a better Christian is to just be a better person.

Stop worrying about whether you will be rewarded or punished for your actions -- instead think of the consequences of your actions.

Stop worrying about dissapointing God. If he exists, he will get over being dissappointed -- he has special powers. Worry more about disappointing your fellow man.

Many Christians think that it is their belief in Jesus, not their actions that will save them. What if this is just a test by God to see who blindly follows and who is good? I can't believe that a good God would send good people to hell just because they aren't believers, or that He would let bad people into heaven solely because they believe. And if he did, I couldn't worship him.

Answer 9

Well Jesus is our greatest example, of course. Sometimes it is hard to get that FIRE that poeple talk of, but it is possible. Talk to God about it - ask him to help you! Study your Bile often, & try to do work in the church, go on mission trips when available, & try to meet with other christians. Maybe start a Bible study! I know one thing that also helps me is reading about the christians in other countries who have that FIRE. Icheck out VOM ministries online for that. Also Iread in Hebrews 11:37 - 12:5. That really gets me to want to do more, & get out & wittness to people.
I hope this info has helped! YOu are in the right direction - your wanting to find out - that is Great!

Answer 10

not a christian myself, i am agnostic. but I am extremly educated.(raised Roman Catholic)
ANyways, if you want to be saved you pray, believe, go to mass, and if even not that.
All you have to do is be good to other people, be just, be right.

The fire.. Some people just dont feel.
I myself have a difrent way of analyzing pictures, as what my doctor told me.
So i will NEVER be able to see the big dipper in the sky.
I know what it looks like from silly graphic pictures, but i can never look up and see it.
My brain doesnt recongize images like that.
You may not feel the fire befcause your not a "fire: person.

Want to feel the fire, screw up reall bad, and watch god fix it.. You might be surprized.

Answer 11

Ya know- I struggle with this too. I don't classify myself as a 'Christian' per se- because of the negative implications behind it. I say I am a 'Believer'.. meaning I believe Jesus Christ died for our sins.. and rose again and is the way to God the Father.. same belief as Christiany- I just don't think God lables people.

Back to the 'struggle' .. I am the same way- I KNOW I don't do enough.. what I am trying to do- represent him by my actions where ever I go..

Love.. enemies- esp.. for it's easy to love a friend..

Don't judge- it's not our job- and it turns people away..

Spread the word- but don't beat people with it.. I find the best way to witness it by how I treat others.. somehow God opens the doors to show me when to talk and when not too.

Most of all TELL GOD this.. He already knows you struggle- and loves u for it..He knows we are here on earth- imperfect- He just wants our love and obedience.. keep asking Him to show u and use u how where He wants..

He will- TRUST me!