Whatever it takes (this is for anyone, especially freshmen[9th graders]).
(Sorry, this might be long)
Sharing from experience, high school actually isn't that bad. It may seem like it the first few months or maybe even a year, but you'll get used to it soon enough. Always remember to be who you are and who God made you to be, not what you think others might want you to be.
It's normal to want to be accepted, but like any desire, unless it's kept in check, it can really get out of control. The result is someone who is willing to do literally anything to be liked, completely disregarding what God may think about their actions. The person may gain the approval and recognition of others, but God's approval is what matters most.
As Paul said, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10
The warm feeling of being popular is short-lived. People are fickle. Popularity can fade as quickly as it appears. At one point, the people wanted to make Jesus king (John 6:15). A few days later, they were screaming for Him to be executed (Mark 15:11-15).
What would you do to get ahead a notch or two in the social system of high school, or school in general? Are you so desperate for your life to be different; to have different friends, to experience different things that you're willing to hurt yourself in the process?
The boundaries God has set up in his Word, defining what is sin, are meant to protect us. If you're willing to cross that boundary, then you're willing to hurt yourself. It may not seem like a big deal now, but some of the scars from your actions may follow you for the rest of your life.
If your search for friends and acceptance at school has led you to lower your standards, ask God to help you gain a new perspective on this whole issue. When your "friends" want to cross God's boundary line, say "no."
If they get defensive with you, accusing you of being preachy or judgemental, explain that you want to start living what you really believe. If they turn their backs on you, don't let it get to you. If they are friends only when you conform to their expectations, you're better off without them, because they don't really care about you. They just care about controlling you.
It's hard, but think about it.
Does it make sense?
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my savior's love for me[you]!
Grace
It's not anonymous because it's not anything personal. =P
| 