Getting a Life
Matt and I had a discussion on things about some life topics. The topic was my thoughts on “getting a life”. After turning 18, I realized on my birthday that being “an adult” wasn’t as good as I thought it was going to be. I have realized that I have really missed out on being a teenager. Sure, I was a teenager, but I didn’t fully experience everything I should have, I didn’t do all the stupid stuff when there was a time for it, and lately I have been trying to make up for it by cramming a bunch of that stupid stuff into this “adult” life. Being 18 has been pretty lame because you are an adult, so people tell you to act like it, but then when you try to act like an adult, people still do not think of you as an adult.
That’s not a big deal, it’s just frustrating. I’ve also realized that a lot of things that made me somewhat popular, which was cool, didn’t glorify God. I know that God has given me amazing gifts in my knowledge of technology and spiritual matters, and being able to be an example to other people in my church, it’s a blessing. But I haven’t realized what I have, I mean, God gave me these gifts to glorify His name, and I’ve been using them to glorify myself. I have also been a pretty bad example to the rest of the youth group. I guess that has to do with the whole me trying to be a teenager thing.
All this “important” stuff is really quite the opposite. In retrospect, all the hilarious pranks and stunts I did that got me expelled my freshman year don’t even matter to anyone I went to school with. They don’t remember me, it was all for nothing. I want to be what God wants me to be and actually be important and change the world. To do that, I have to let go of all of these things I have in my life that are un-Godly.
So, now that I am actually growing up, let’s see about getting a life. Friends have been something I’ve been lacking since I moved to Louisiana in 2000. Well, you know, come to think of it, I have never had many friends. True friends. I had it pretty rough here in Louisiana until I moved to Crowley in 2005. Finding negative influences in friends has been way easier than positive. I am glad that when I came to FBC Crowley I met most my true friends I have now, the ones who I know I can talk to and be real with. Since going to Gumpoint Christian School, I have a few there. Oh, and the best one from the oddest place to find a fellow Christian, a hacking forum. You see, these friends, they are the core of what true friendship is. Phileo and agape love. This is what I want in friendship, legitimacy. Knowing these people are truly my friends. How do I test this out? By throwing away the stuff in my life that is not pleasing to God- if they are my true friends, they will embrace the change and help me grow stronger. That’s my realization on friendship.
For the girlfriend side, I am not too sure as of now. My requirements for a girl is that she must be a Christian, and share the same mindset I do about relationships. I have seen one of my friends lose her virginity to a non-believer and since then she has been backsliding more and more away from God. You can never save that person by dating them. It’s a lie Satan wants you to believe. I honestly know that if I have a girlfriend who is not a Christian, that I will mostly do something I regret with all of my heart. Girls are icky. Lots of drama, but lots of “wowee”. The plan: Letting God be the focus of any relationship I have.
So… I’ve got friends, and girls covered. What else is to getting a life? Oh yeah.. living a life. Living a pleasing life to God is something that I just now am grasping. I heard all of this at YEC this year but I guess it took awhile to sink in. 1 Cor. 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.“ So living a life pleasing to God needs to be my goal. If you think about it, keeping that my number one goal, all the other things will follow.
So, I guess I am getting a life now. Growing up and realizing things in a adult-like and Godly manner is something I am still trying to figure out. That’s why I am glad I have people around me who can guide me and encourage me to do what God has planned for my life. Thanks to you all who have helped me, you’lll never know how much it means to me.
1 comment| Posted: Mar 21, 11:39 PM in blog, by Jeremy Emberling
It's not easy growing up and being a young adult is way more difficult than being a teenager. At least that's how it has been for me. I'm praying for you. I want for you to be what God wants for you to be. And to do the things God wants for you to do. You have so much potential. God has so much planned. Keep following this new path. You'll see many changes and you'll go through many obstacles, but remember that God is there for you. So are your friends.
— Matt · Mar 21, 11:59 PM · #