Are you a child of God? If you’re a child of God, it means you’re saved by grace. It means that you receive eternal life, through Jesus, when you ask him into your heart. It means you take a step of faith, believing he died for you, and asking forgiveness for your sins.

But being a child of God also means that you’ve given your life to Jesus. It means you allow the Holy Spirit to do a good work in you, so you can become more like Jesus. When you follow Jesus, people see change, which draws more people to Christ.

To learn how to live like a Christian, you have to read your bible. It’s like a handbook for how to live the Christian life. But the difference is, the bible is not just a bunch of rules to follow. It’s a way of life; a way of life that has rewards in it for YOU, and for those you love! It will save you a great amount of heartache if you read it, and follow it. The wisdom and advice in the bible is free. It is a LIVING book, breathing out TRUTH! Because the bible is spiritual, many will read it without understanding its power and authority.

As a child of God, you have access to this power and authority in your own life because Jesus lives within you! You have privileges given to you by GOD! When you follow God’s laws, it’s like being underneath the protection of an umbrella. When you wander from God’s laws, and rebel, it’s similar to walking away from the shelter of that nice, big umbrella. What happens then? You get wet!

This morning, when I read my bible, I came across some verses giving relationship advice for both old and new Christians. It is for men, women, teens, children, married, single, old and young. Whatever your relationship, raise your standards. Expect godly behavior, when it’s within your control. We can’t always control who is in authority over us: For example, parents, teachers, bosses, and leaders. We can’t control who our family members are. God’s Word tells us how to handle these situations. They also need to be given to Him, prayed for, and discussed with counselors and people we trust.

However, we do have control over who we invite to be a part of our lives. We have a choice over the friends we hang out with, the romantic relationships we choose to have, and how we choose to behave, ourselves. God has advice for us in the bible. He tells is what is not okay, and He is very clear about it. If he tells YOU not to do it, then He expects the same out of others, and we should too.

Expect to be treated in a godly manner, by those people you let into your life. As you grow and change, throughout your godly walk, you should find yourself no longer comfortable with the same old crowd. If not, you’re probably not growing in Christ. You may even need to find yourself a whole new group of friends! Continue to pray for those people who mistreat you. Don’t give up on them, but realize it is healthy to have boundaries in place. You don’t have to lower your standards and accept poor treatment. God wants good things for you!

Real friends don’t pressure you, cuss at you, make fun of you, gossip about you, or embarrass you. Accept that you may be the ONLY one to take a stand, by telling your group of friends your standards. Have them raise their standards up to your godly standards, rather than lowering your standards to fit in with the crowd. That’s what JESUS did for you! He stood out against the world, refusing to succumb to peer pressure. He suffered for you, and for me. He died for you, and for me! He did it all for you, and for me, so we could live with him in Heaven, eternally! Walk away from darkness, and walk towards Jesus. God will provide everything you need!

Understand that you only have one or two REAL friends among a large group of acquaintences. Most will turn their backs on you when the going gets tough. But you need to know who your real friends are. Ask God to reveal them to you! It’s hard letting go of old patterns, but there’s a silver lining…God has rewards for you along the way! He has placed people in your life to guide you, befriend you, and love you. It’s your choice to either reject the good gifts He gives you, or accept them. God’s bible is full of knowledge. Read it, get wisdom, and find real joy in Jesus!

“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person–such a person is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.”
(Ephesians 5:3-7 New International Version)