Recently I had the opportunity to talk with a follow brother in the faith who is younger than I, I wanted to get an idea of what it’s like being a follower of God currently in your teens and how that meshes with the particular anxieties that come with balancing high school, faith, and friendship.
The Interview
Tom: So Nate, how long have you been a Christian?
Nate: My whole life I’ve known who God is and I’ve always believed in him. But I say I’ve been a follower since age 14 because that’s when I got baptized and it’s when I was actually able to understand some of the things in the Bible and when I was old enough to really start taking it seriously.
Tom: Do you ever get teased for your faith? and If so, how do you handle that?
Nate: Thankfully, I’ve never been teased for my faith. I’m not really sure how I would handle it, I’ve never thought about it before.
Tom: Have you ever reached out to share the gospel with your friends?
Nate: I haven’t straight up, but I think I kind of do with my actions. I try to follow what the Bible says and always be kind, slow to anger, quick to forgive, things like that. And then if someone asks me why I can tell them that it’s what God wants and talk about the Bible and stuff. Everyone I know is aware of who God is, some just have not chosen to follow him yet.
Tom: Why do you think that is?
Nate: I think it’s due to the way some “Christians” act. There are people who claim to follow God, but they are stuck up and think they are above people. I’ve seen people judged and criticized, I’ve seen bitter arguments over minor things, etc. and then people who do not believe see this and think “Well don’t they follow God’s commandments? If this is how him and his followers act then I don’t want any part of it.”
Tom: What’s one of your favorite things that God has done in your life?
Nate: The people he has put in my life. He has given me the most amazing family and the most amazing friends. I couldn’t handpick better people.
Tom: What makes you say that?
Nate: My friends and family have always been so kind and supportive of me and what I do and they care so much. It’s amazing.
Tom: How did you come to know Jesus?
Nate: I’ve always known who Jesus is, Both of my parents are Christians.
Tom: But when did it become personal (you mentioned earlier that something changed or happened when you were 14)?
Nate: When I was 14 I was able to start understanding the Bible a little easier, I noticed in Sunday school and youth group things just started to click. It was easier to answer the questions and things like that. I also got baptized, and then the same day I got baptized I went to a church camp for the first time and it was just an amazing week. It’s when I was old enough to really start taking it seriously.
Tom: Do you think that others will find Jesus through your life?
Nate: I hope so! That would be so awesome!
What About Meek.ly?
Tom: Do you find meekly helpful for your own personal growth in Jesus?
Nate: I haven’t used it too much yet because I just discovered it. But I like it so far!
Tom: What’s your favorite Podcast on meekly?
Nate: So far I’ve only had the time to check out one of them. The Porch. I like it though!
Tom: What did you like about (the Porch)
The speaker in The Porch was making some good points and he had a lot of energy. You could tell he’s passionate about what he teaches.
What About You?
Where are you at right now in your walk with Christ? How does being a Christian impact your school or work life? This interview was just the beginning 🙂 We want to hear your story as well! SO send us a message or type it in the comments for everyone to be encouraged!
