Do people react strangely when you reveal that you live a Christian lifestyle as much as possible?

Question

Most people eventually put two and two together, when they ask if I'm married, living with someone, or dating, and I answer NO, NO, NO. They find it strange that someone can be celibate for more than a few months or a year in the 21st century, so they will ask "what's wrong"??? As if there must be a reason other than the fact you're trying to follow the example of Christ, and believe sex is reserved for marriage.

People react even more shocked when they learn you don't drink, smoke, get high, curse, ect. There is a "look" that comes over their face, that I can't quite explain in words. Someone told me today, that it was such "a waste of life".

So have you all noticed the same thing? Even if you're not Christian, but live a similar lifestyle for moral reasons. If so, do you continue to respond the same way, or try to avoid the questions? I am not ashamed to be a child of God, or ashamed to live as christlike as possible, so I personally feel a responsiblity to answer honestly.

People don't realize, that although "some" Christians may not indulge in various fleshly desires, or have grown stronger over the years to resist certain carnal pleasures, we still struggle daily, experience temptation often, and are far from perfect.

Yet we're often mocked as being "holier than thou". There are even christians in the church who will mock other christians for trying to live as close to Christ's example as genuinely possible.

I NEVER volunteer this information. But people will always ask if they are around you for awhile. They're natural questions. I only have three options...lie, ignore them, or tell the truth. I choose the latter. No I am not evangelical...I am a Chrisitan, and non-denominational as religions are man made.

I'm referring to invitations I've received to attend bars where heavy drinking and liquor is served. I'm not judging anyone, even those who choose to drink light wine during dinner. However, I personally don't drink at all, and just don't feel the need to do so.

No I don't feel that living this way is a burden. I have more peace in my life, and I feel free in Christ. There was a time when I didn't think I could be celibate for a week, but God gave me strength, and as I cleaned up my lifestyle the temptation decreased. I'm still human and have my moments, but it is not an unbearable temptation I can't handle or resist.

Answer 1

Yet another one with a persecution complex....please get over it.

Answer 2

Let them look at you strangely. Their cynicism would have them believe that you are "weird". I would really not answer about being celibate because it is none of their business. I would just answer a question with a question, "And you ask, because.......?" And then wait for their response. Then after their response, just say "Oh I see!" smile, and then change the subject.

You say that people react even more shocked when they learn you don't drink, smoke, get high, or curse, ect and say that it is such "a waste of life". Gee how ironic. They get high, call it "getting wasted" and that is NOT a WASTE?

YOu are okay---be you and don't change. Maybe eventually these people will learn to appreciate you. I sure do.

Answer 3

Yes this is true. People even openly chide you. But, when any of these people hit the bottom-I mean whey all they have left is breath, and nothing more-where do they turn? They turn to a known or perceived Christian for advice. This has happened to me often. I always give them all they can handle. Some listen and believe, and their lives are changed forever. Others don't, and their lives just continue on miserably until they hit another bump.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, we live in a society where "anything goes", and if you try to live morally, especially with God's morals - you are some kind of freak. I get the same response - even from those who claim to be Christians.
I usually get a lot of grief from Christians, because I happen to have stronger standards and a 'higher moral' I guess you could call it. I do not listen to secular music, am very careful of what I watch (Philippians 4:8), and do not like the public school system.
When people start asking me questions I hear in my head "here we go again!" - yet I always answer honestly and sometimes bluntly -- I have nothing to be ashamed of and neither do you!

Answer 5

It's probably because people are looking at you as ignorant. See I live my life well, I treat everyone I come across with equal respect, and yes sometimes I'm rude, but it's never due to someone's race, or gender, mostly because they cut me off on the road. I drink, I smoke weed, I have and will still have premarital sex, I have educated myself, and accept the consequences of all of these actions and in turn have no regrets.

I refuse to believe that there is a God who will look upon my life and damn me to an eternal hell. Also, I think anyone that lives based on a book written by man thousands of years ago is ignorant. Why? Because what all compassionate God would see someone who helps people he doesn't know, and even more those he does, is compassionate, gives to the homeless, and shows love to all of humanity and send him to a place worse than Earth.

No my friend people are looking at you and many others "strangely" because you believe that the only way to "heaven" is through confessing your sins to a rabbi/carpenter who's story was manipulated and exaggerated greatly.

Answer 6

The Word of God says that they will think it strange that we dont participate in their sin , Thats ok I lived that Life style for many years and what a fool was I , I was under the delusion that once I get to hell I would be able to party with all of my friends but now I know the truth and have been made free to live for Christ Jesus my Lord

Answer 7

Yes, yes, yes and yes. I teach Sunday School to 2nd graders at our church and one thing I stress is that it is ALWAYS harder to do right by God and walk in His ways than it is to fall to drugs, alcohol or unprotected sex too young and without a lifetime commitment. It's easier to make fun of "different" than it is to step up and get to know someone. It's a lot harder to control yourself and your actions than it is to impulsively "react", and, given the "American Way" and need of instant gratification, this is why you will continue to face the looks, comments, and laughs from those who have not yet given themselves over to a higher power. Jesus or not, everyone must believe in something or they will fall for anything. As cliche as that statement is, it also rings very true in the lives of so many that I see daily. No one in my family has really ever acknowledged Christ in day to day life, if at all past Baptism and Confirmation. Most of them also struggle with drug addictions and alcoholism, and, I've noticed these people tend to stay away from church unless or until they're ready to commit themselves entirely to a relationship with Jesus. My own parents have a hard time relating to me because I do go to church regularly and not just because I have children. I not only go to church I am active in Child Missionary's, a teacher in Sunday School and I try to live my life and make choices in His ways.

Keep your head up high and never give in to anything which strays from your strenghth and relationship with Jesus.

When people ask "why" I answer by stating "I don't believe I need to explain my reasons for my life choices to you but I am more than open to getting to know you more and being a friend". Some take me up on the offer, but most do not. Doesn't stop me from making my own choices.

Answer 8

Not really, but I live in an area that has a lot of Christians. I have had people ask me what it is about me that makes me different - why am I usually so nice or upbeat or whatever. I just point to Jesus.

Answer 9

expensive pal, A Christian's existence-sort would desire to reveal Jesus' character it somewhat is the "Fruit of the Spirit." Ephesians 5:9(For the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT is in all goodness and righteousness and actuality;) So then what's the Fruit of the Spirit and how can we be conscious it in our on a regular basis existence? Galatians 5:22, 23 says, "however the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT is love, exhilaration, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there isn't any regulation." Now utilising the above verses, take your Greek/Hebrew Lexicon and lookup the Greek words for, love, exhilaration, peace, longsuffering, and so on. comprehend and prepare the "deeper" meanings of those words of their ideal context. interior the below verse of Phil. 4:8 do a similar difficulty including your Greek/Hebrew Lexicon and lookup the "deeper" which potential of the words, authentic, trouble-free, organic, attractive, sturdy record. And positioned them too, into prepare on your on a regular basis existence and walk with Christ. additionally, Philippians 4:8, 9 says "finally, brethren, in any respect issues are authentic, in any respect issues are trouble-free, in any respect issues are basically, in any respect issues are organic, in any respect issues are attractive, in any respect issues are of sturdy record; if there be any distinctive characteristic, and if there be any compliment, think of on those issues. 9 those issues, which ye have the two discovered, and gained, and heard, and considered in me, do: and the God of peace would be with you.

Answer 10

Your life is for you to live. The opinions of others don't matter. No one can judge you till they've walked a mile in your shoes, right? There is no shame in trying to live according to your beliefs.

But...You need to treat others with tolerance as well, even if they seem to be doing wrong. Life is too complex for any of us to judge what is right or wrong for others.

Answer 11

As long as you are living by your beliefs, staying true to yourself, and don't force your lifestyle on anyone else ~~~~You're fine. It's the other people who have a problem if they have to put you down.