I just want to say that it makes my heart smile to read all of these blog posts that talk about God and that we can freely discuss our beliefs in class. I went to a public high school and people hardly ever meantioned God unless it was in a private setting; I hated that. I love being at a private school where just about everyone talks about God and they aren't ashamed! I remember at the beginning of my freshman year, I was talking to my parents and I made the statement, "It's cool to be a Christian at this school!" We all laughed, but then I started thinking. Why can't it be cool to be a Christian at a public school? Maybe it was different at your high school, but at mine, random people didn't like for you to talk about God in front of a crowd. It was so hard to be a witness when everyone rejected what you said.
As individuals, we have a right to choose what church to go to, what denomination to follow, what religion to believe. I know most of us have just followed whatever our parents have chosen, and their parents before them and so on; however, I think there comes a time when each of us need to decide whether this church or denomination is right for us. In the Christian religion, denominations are very similar, but each one has differences that cause them to remain separated instead of coming together as one. I believe that as long as you follow what the Bible says, it doesn't matter what church you go to or what denomination you are.
Make your own decisions about what you believe. Don't just believe in something because your parents do!
*I commented on Sara Dye's post, "Success and Punishment" and on Stephanie's post, "Predetermined."*
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I agree with you Ashley in that we do, as a society, desperately need to start thinking for ourselves and getting outside of our boxes more when it comes to many issues in life. But I also believe that God has given those who come before us the wisdom and life experience to enrich and help our own lives so that we can learn ourselves. Yes, we shouldn't take things at face value. But why should we not learn from others mistakes so that we might not make them again?
ReplyDeleteYou make a very good point, Josh. I do think that in trying to make our own decisions, we should do research in order to learn from others mistakes. History is bound to repeat itself if we don't try to change it.
ReplyDeleteI love this post! I graduated from a private baptist school(which just so happened to also function as a church twice a week)where Scripture and Biblical teachings were everywhere and in everything. It was a wonderful and yet dull environment. I think it's a great thing when God gives us the opportunity to be challenged in our walk with Him! I think this is the crucial step in making our own spiritual "decisions", quite simply, when we listen to God, He gives us the answers!
ReplyDeleteWhitney, you made me feel a little better about going to a public school because I realize that it was challenging to follow Christ in a worldly environment. However, I am fortunate to have that experience because it challenged my faith and I don't just go through the motions. For example, if I went to a private school, I could have been one of those Christians that just goes to church out of habit instead of going because I want to.
ReplyDeleteAshley, I completely agree with you about the struggles students face in a public school. Being a graduate from a small public school, where everyone knew everyone else as well as their business, I realized how important reputations can be and how important it is that Christians take a daily stand for Christ. People are always watching whether we know it or not. What do we want them to see in us? Sometimes we fail, but it's the attitude and the actions that follow our fall that others notice. Life isn't easy, and it's the tough experiences or mistakes that show us just how small we are compared to Christ's awesomeness. Through Him we learn from our mistakes and then can help others facing the same situations.
ReplyDeleteTiffany, I understand completely. I know that people were always watching me at school because I made sure everyone knew I was a Christian and I knew they wanted to see me do something wrong. And as a pastor's daughter, it was even worse. Especially at our last church. Everyone there was always watching my brothers and I to see if we would do something worth spreading around the entire church. People can be so ridiculous sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI always love when I go through a tough time because there is always that one person rooting for me to give up. And when I do the opposite of what they expect, they see that Christ is Lord, and He is glorified through that situation. Our actions and reactions can either glorify God, or they can destroy our reputation and witness.