~ By Emma Elstadt

Lately, I just haven’t been myself. Or maybe, I’m becoming who I really am, who God made me to be.

I literally went from booming the world’s music in my ears to listening to the full-blown Gospel. The feelings you get is unbelievable. And I kind of feel renewed. I want to feel like this more and more and more.

Romans 12:2 says “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.”

We always seem to follow the worldly trends, and I think, especially for young adults, like myself, it can be really hard to turn away from it all.  Faking who we are to get approval by others, to be lured into temptations, being seduced by lies and false teachings and being pushed and beaten up by peer pressure. I know, from experience, we get easily deceived. What people do not necessarily know, is that the rest of your life depends on what choices you make right now.

This is supposed to be the best time of our lives. Nourish yourself in the truths of your faith and seek God wholeheartedly and prepare to let you flesh die in His relentless love. Stand firm and rebuke the ungodly stories and lies.

“Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” -1 Timothy 4 :12

To understand this we must take note and be attentive of Who and What God is and what He does for us. Let’s just be what we were made to be, without enviously comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t. Soon you’ll realize that people will love the idea of you but will lack the maturity to handle the reality of you. This will probably make you feel like you’re not that important, but oh boy, God made you pretty significant. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.

“If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else. If you help, just help, don’t take over. If you teach, stick to your teaching. If you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy. If you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate. If you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond. If you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.” Rom 12:5-8

Do not ignore the gifts and talents that is put within you. Live your life with Godly goodness and take care of your friends. He has given us the opportunity to witness about His saving power to those who do not know Him. Those who struggle. I still believe that all people are good at heart and my trust in people has not diminished. I don’t think it ever will. Don’t be dismayed by the fleshly minds people have and don’t let it get the best of you, get the best of it by doing good. Discover beauty in everyone and do not give judgment. Be who you were made to be.

Be a leader, not a follower. Place your life before God.