What's the DIFFERENCE?

I've decided that it is best for me to make my first post a more general, introductory-type entry. It is not for lack of things to say, but because I have too much to say. I believe that my future entries will be better understood in light of this foundational entry. I want to share reasons (in addition to the ones mentioned in our first entry) why Jordan, Lucas, and I started this blog and see a real need for the Christian youth of today to "step it up."

My college career has opened my eyes to the state of my Christian peers. As I have observed and interacted with my fellow "Christians" at the three Christian colleges I have attended, one question has been throbbing in the back of my mind: what is different about the Christian youth of today and the rest of the youth in the world? Besides the fact that we say we are Christians, what is different about us? Should there be a noticeable difference? The answer is a resounding yes! There should be a noticeable, tangible differences between Christians of any age and nonbelievers. The sad thing I have discovered is that there are MANY "Christian" youth who go to Christian colleges and churches yet show no evidence of their faith except for the fact that they label themselves as "Christians." What is even sadder is that many do not even think they need to be that different from the secular world. Oh no, they think we should "blend in and relate." In future entries I'll get into more specifics.

Most of my upcoming entries will stem off of this question: what is the difference between the young believer and the nonbeliever besides the fact that we call ourselves Christians? I feel that a great number of young Christians are living like nonbelievers, and are unconcerned with the reality that they are falling into a secular, "pop culture" world. They see no problem with that. Honestly, it is hard for me to tell you what is different between my fellow Christian college students and the nonbelievers I know. The lifestyles of the two are so similar I don't know what separates the two groups. Are we not called to be different? Are we not supposed to "be in the world and not of it?" The problem is that the Christian youth know all the biblical principles like the one just mentioned, but view them as weak, overused, and archaic. They are so familiar with the truth that they ignore it.

I know this has all been very general, but as I said, I'll get into more specifics in later posts. Until then, I challenge my brothers and sisters in Christ to live lives that are holy and separate; to be lights in a crooked and depraved generation. Do not concern yourselves with the momentary pleasures of this world, but be different, and be known for what you believe. How great would it be to be known to those around you as a God-fearing man or woman? I know I pray that I will be known as a God-fearing man like my father. Pray for me, as I also pray for you, my brothers and sisters. Let us pray for those who do not have the great gift we share. And let us all pray for ourselves, that we will be the witnesses we should be.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).