Christianity Oasis Forum

[MissMoriahDawn]

Hello all! This is my first post to the community actually. I found this website because I was trying to seek Christian counsel about a few things going on right now related to friends.
First of all, I am in a culinary academy and have been for a few months now. There are several Christians there, but not many, and even they tend to act somewhat worldy. I have been contemplating for a little while now about leaving the academy (for several reasons, but mostly it is just a very stressful environment) and today I just realized how alone I was when it comes to my beliefs. Everyone else is sleeping around, cussses like crazy, gossips constantly, goes to bars, clubs, smokes weed and drinks, and is very vulgar and sexual in the topics that they talk about. At first it was alright and didn't seem like it was enough to be a big deal, but now I am beginning to see that this is how they always are and it is really starting to bother me. Even in 1 Corinthians 15:33 it states "Do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character". On the other hand, I feel bad for saying this because I already feel like they are my friends. They are nice to me and make me feel loved.
Here is my other dilemma: A lack of Fellowship at my Church. I have been going to my church since the age of 2, yet I feel like I hardly know anyone. I don't know if it is because people are just shy or if we are really being shunned by other college students/young adults, but my (recent) fiance and I find ourselves usually only talking to less than a handful of people. He said he never had this problem at his old church (he has only been going here for a year and a half - as long as we have been together), but that the young adults seem like they are just closed off here. We love this church because the preaching and worship is just so wonderful - it is traditional and Christ centered - but it is incredibly frustrating to not have good Christian friends from our own church whom we can fellowship with and have wonderful Christ-centered friendships.

Any advice and prayers would be appreciated. Much love my brothers and Sisters, in our Glorious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

-Moriah

[Weeder]

Perhaps, if unbeknownst to you, by living the Christian life you are teaching one of these people about our loving God's will and command. I have been on both sides of your story, the Christian and the Bad Girl. I see what you mean when you feel alone, but you might be silently inspiring one of them. As someone who has sadly gone down that bad girl path, willingly and openly, I admire people who are Christian and stand up for their beliefs and it inspires me as a Christian to once again find my way. It's honestly one of the reasons why I am on this site tonight.

You might be a warrior, and not even know it.

[Dora]

They probably are just shy and don't know what to say. Is there a smaller group such as a bible study you can join so to help you get to know them better? Hang in there.

[MissMoriahDawn]

@ Weeder - That is an interesting view point! You are possibly right, and I will take that into consideration - thank you.

[MissMoriahDawn]

@ Pine - I wish there was. My church does not have a Bible study group specifically for young adults, only for high school and younger, and then one on sundays before church for adults. I have tried talking to the elders at my church about this before, but they didn't think it was necessary to separate the young adults from the regular adult study.

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Hi Missmoriahdawn,

Your post and the problems you mentioned are really challenging and I am sure that many, many Christians, including myself, can absolutley identify with them.

Firstly, I think your understanding of the problems is very sound. The Corinthians quote that you mentioned is very to the point. I get the clear sense that you are still loving towards your assoiciates, even if they are not Christians. That is just how Jesus wants you to be. You are displaying a clear Christian attitude in this dilemma. The fact that you feel so torn in this regard is evidence to this effect.

Let me just refer you to James 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” Thus, to coin an oft-used quote, we as Christians are to be in the world, but not of it. And yes, needless to say, it is a very challenging and fine line to walk.

I just want to share with you my own experiences with similar such problems. I am currently not living in my home country, and I am a usually shy person. Since I have been in this country, God led me to this site. Thus, a form of fellowship with other believers is only a few button pushes and clicks away.

Secondly, I have been to a number of churches here with my young daughter. At one of these churches there was a small congregation of people who I believe were genuine Christians, but who also seemed to be something of a clique, perhaps not being so strong in the area of warmly welcoming outsiders (though I also admit I wasn't exactly forthcoming in my attempts to join in, as well). I since went to another church, and it was all different. In terms of mixing with the congregation, it just somehow gelled better.

Maybe, just maybe, as biblically sound as your current church may well be, it could be that God might have another place in mind for you. I will pray to Him that He reveal this to you, if this be the case.

May The Lord help you tread this fine line successfully, helping you to be in the world but not of it, to His glory.

God bless you.

[momof3]

another thought may be...maybe the Lord has revealed a need within your church. Could it be that He is calling you to host a prayer and/or bible study group for young adults? Pray on this. Ask Him to show you His reasons for showing this to you.

Praying for you both. God's perfect will be done.

In Jesus,
love momo