I graduated high school one month ago.
Although high school was an amazing experience, I didn't leave feeling the best. I absolutely love the school I went to, I will forever be proud of my high school. But, I left with big feelings of immaturity.
The cliques in high school are no where like middle school. There wasn't a either your in, or your out, but they still existed. The really sad thing for me is, there were christian cliques that closed themselves off to some people that could have used their wonderful influence.
I have heard so many people say they are totally AGAINST Christian faith because of the actions of Christians themselves. Now, when I first hear things like this, the stereo typical two lives thing comes into my head, the "the bible beater during the day, partier during the night" persona. While obviously that persona truly does turn people against God, there's also another situation lurking out there that's causing people to turn their face from the glory of God.
While feeling rejected and alone can turn people to God, it can also turn people against God. Unconsciously, some Christians, including me, are turning others away from the Lord by our secluded actions. We grow in Christ with our friends, and in that we become very close to our friends, but in the process, we cut ourselves off from the world around us. Some of us also become so obsessed with the rest of the world and it's need for salvation, that we forget that their are hurting people sitting right next to us. A person does not have to be poor, homeless, or speak a language we don't know to need Jesus.
I cringe at all the opportunities I missed to share the love of Jesus, just by my actions. It's a shame how selfish I was. (Thank goodness I don't have to live in that shame..)
People first believed in Jesus because of His actions. His words were backed up by His actions.
To fix this feeling of immaturity that I left high school with, I believe I'm going to have to start a conscious effort to be aware of everyone around me . I want the love of Jesus to shine from my actions! "Actions speak louder than words." Duh.
My goal for this summer and college is to never view myself higher than others ("Do not think how smart you are" Romans 12:16), ALWAYS be willing to listen to someone,( everyone has a story) and to always be willing to make a new friend!
