Christian Issues?

Question

I have been born again for sometime but have backslided for a while and now i am absolutely determened to have a deeper relationship with God.

Learning the word of God lifts me up and then i have to apply it in my life which seems to be the difficult part.

My question is, the enviroment in which i live is quite hostile from neighbours to mixing in the community. I am trying not to judge others neither convert others but it doesn't seem like there's any like minded people that are on a spiritual journey or people that are living outside the box and looking at the bigger picture.

How does a christian live in a society where they feel so alone?

(I am asking on yahoo answers as i am touched by the sincerity of a lot of the answers i have recieved on here before).

Answer 1

I am not a Christian myself, but I exactly understand how you are feeling. I live in an environment, where no-one wish to walk on a higher spiritual path or, as you said, live outside the box and look at the bigger picture.

But my religion (that was created by me to satisfy my need of faith) respect the FREE WILL of others. According to my beliefs, it is up to the individual to choose his or her own path. I believe in free will and free choice and that an educated choice is always better than blind obedience to any religion or dogma. Because of my fierce belief in free will, I try not to interfere on lower spiritual paths or on lower levels of existence, even to prevent disaster. I also do not try to manipulate others into my way of thinking. I am not "against" other religions. I feel that all paths are equally valid as long as they do not infringe upon the basic civil rights or free will of another.

So it is very hard for me to move towards enlightenment in this environment. Most of people do not listen to their soul, inner spirit, angel whatever name we use to describe this entity. But just try to be yourself. No matter that you are a Christian, Mormon or Agnostic Atheist. Just practice your religion with faith and pride. You will not need those people when you will finally find the so wished enlightenment you are looking for. They won't be there. It is not their faith, it is YOURS.

Answer 2

When we read of the "world" in the New Testament, we are reading the Greek word "cosmos." Cosmos most often refers to the inhabited earth and the people who live on the earth, which functions apart from God. Satan is the ruler of this "cosmos" (John 12:31; 16:11; 1 John 5:19). So, by the simple definition that the word "world" refers to a world system ruled by Satan, we can more readily appreciate Christ's claims that believers are no longer of the world--we are no longer ruled by sin, nor are we bound by the principles of the world.



It's not a matter of should or should not be of the world. Believers in Jesus Christ are simply no longer of the world; in the world, but not of it (John 17:14-15). What believers *should* do is to be set apart from the world. This is the meaning of being holy and living a holy, righteous life--to be set apart. We are not to engage in the sinful activities the world promotes, nor are we to retain the insipid, corrupt mind that the world creates. Rather, we are to conform ourselves, and our minds, to that of Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1-2). This is a daily activity; a daily commitment. We can enjoy the things of the world, but we are not to immerse ourselves in the world. Pleasure is no longer our calling in life, but rather the worship of God.



Some passages that would be beneficial for you in further understanding the concept of no longer being "of the world" are: John 15:19; 17:15-24; 1 Corinthians 7:31; 2:12-16; Ephesians 2:2-10; Colossians 2:20-23; Galatians 4:3-7; and James 4:4.

Recommended Resource: Balancing the Christian Life by Charles Ryrie.

Answer 3

Hey I know what you are saying,where I live there are very very few who are into their faith and it does seem isolating at the best of times, but remember that you are in the world but not of the world as Jesus said, and you have to adjust to being His disciple even if it means isolation for you, remember too it is not those who can inflict the most but those who endure the most who will win.
Keep up your protection by daily prayer and never let your guard down for a second,we are in a spiritual battle and need the full armour of God.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.


Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.


Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.


Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.


You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.


Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.


With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.


Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

Answer 4

First you may want to seek out like-minded believers, whether it be in a church, bible study or a home church. It helps to reconnect so you have other people praying for you.

Secondly, pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort you. The Lord is faithful to bring peace and comfort when we need it most.

Also, reading books of the Bible like Psalms often helps us feel comforted. I really enjoy reading about the life of Jesus because he understands the trials we face.

When dealing with people, the best thing to do is pray, pray and pray some more. Pray for God's love to fill your heart and to give you eyes to see them as He does. I often pray for His grace and mercy for others. I also ask God to show me areas of my heart that are not loving so I can change.

Be encouraged! The Lord will set your path straight. :o)

Answer 5

Let others be converted by your genuine care, concern and actions. You needn't "work" at converting anyone. One of the greatest saints that the Catholic Church has ever known, Francis of Assisi once told his followers, "Preach the gospel at all times....use words if necessary". That about sums it all up.

Maybe it is just for you to plant the seeds and for someone else to reap the harvest. Does it really matter as long as it is God who gets the glory?

Answer 6

We Christians all live in a hostile environment. The bible says we will be persecuted because we believe in him. God's word and God's people help us to get through this life. We need to find other Christian friends to help us through the tough times and get involved in a good church where we can get the encouragement and guidance that we need here in this life.

Answer 7

It's hard.
We live in a broken world.
My suggestion is to try to find a Bible study or small group with people your age, where you might be able to share your thoughts, pray together etc.
Stay in the word, read the bible every day if possible.
Find ways to worship, if you don't go to church or maybe don't like church, find some good Christian Music, it will feed your soul.

Remember be in the world, not of it..... Good Luck.

Answer 8

I understand your frustration and have questioned my own Pastor on a similar issue. He pointed out to me that no matter what none of us can be perfect. We slip up, we make the wrong choices or don't adhere to our Christian values. Personally, I deeply struggle with it.

However, one revelation I had was very simple. Make Jesus your best friend. He will never fail you, never let you down and loves you no matter what. Taking all of my woeful sorrows and laying them at the feet of Christ gives me the solid rock I need to survive in this human world.

I wish the best for you. Good luck.

Answer 9

The same as the rest of us do.

Look at the others as God does. After all, if it were not for His grace, would you not be one of them? You are in the world and yet not of the world. God is giving you different values and your heart is changing for different concerns. You can also ask God to reveal to you people with whom you can have some level of relationship with - after all, this is how we should actually win others to Christ.

Are you in a good home church? Serve it well, fellowship as much as possible with trusted Christian friends.

Keep praying and listen to what God has to say to you. Stay in His word and ask Him to reveal what He wants to say to you from it.

Answer 10

Nourish your day with prayer and bible reading a few times a day no matter what.
Go every Sunday to church,get involved in some of its groups(especially age-specific groups)
Ask God to send the people you need in your life.
Get a spiritual director