Student guest post #4 is from Michaela Coon, a Senior at Tesoro High School. Michaela is a part of my youth group and has a huge heart for people. I asked her to share 6 ways in which she shares her faith at school. Most people think the people who share their faith are either crazy or stupid. Crazy because their approach is weird and stupid because you are putting yourself out there to be rejected. Michaela really gets you thinking with her list, so my prayer is that you will apply the things she talks about to your life. Check it out!!
- Be aware and Intentional.- Knowing the needs of your high school is the best way to communicate your faith. Ask for God’s eyes to look beyond just walking from class to class. Make it a goal to be selfless and personal in the way you talk to your peers.
- Know you have influence.- Whether you believe it or not, you have influence. People are watching how you live. This is a great responsibility but a great privilege as well. However, there is a difference between this knowledge and the way you exert yourself. Oswald Chambers writes, “In the Christian life, godly influence is never conscious of itself. If we are conscious of our influence, it ceases to have the genuine loveliness, which is characteristic of the touch of Jesus. We always know when Jesus is at work because He produces in the commonplace something that is inspiring.”
- “Preach the Gospel, use words if necessary.”- When someone is filled with the Holy Spirit, His overflowing love is beyond undeniable. The way you constantly love is a direct testament to Jesus. It is the little things that count. For example, what if sticky-noting your campus with encouragement changed your school? A favorite quote of mine is by Mother Teresa: “Let no one come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”
- Build Relationships.- I cannot stress this enough. Building trust in someone’s life and creating networks is critical. When someone values your opinion, they will listen and retain. Be willing to break barriers!
- Be BOLD. Shine your light.- What if you added in something positive in a gossip-filled conversation? What if you readily forgave? Be uncommon. Care uncommonly. During finals week, I passed out little notes with Bible verses and everyone loved them, even non-Christians! It was a little scary, knowing others’ beliefs, but Jesus totally worked in their hearts! Expect Him to come through.
- Love, love, and love even more!
hope it helps
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