I’ve just become a Christian

Q> I have recently become a Christian. I believe in God and that I have to become a better person, but I am not sure just what my new life should be like. Previously I partied a lot and hung around people who do not believe in God. Can you help me?—Lisa ,19

A> I know exactly what you mean. I remember talking to a friend when I became a Christian saying, “Well, what now?” I had made a commitment, understood I needed God in my life, but wasn’t sure were to go from there. Like you I was a party animal and my friends did not believe in God. One important thing I learned is this: you need to replace old behaviours with new behaviours, otherwise you will just do what you have always done.

Here are some examples:

• Go out Friday night with friends to party—OR—find youth group to attend
• Go to beach or shopping on Saturday—OR—find a congregation you can get involved with and enjoy
• Wear provocative clothing—OR—be classy and attractive
• Watch inappropriate movies—OR—get moving and have a games night
• Drink to hide unpleasant emotions—OR—seek help to deal with problems
• Hang out with friends who don’t understand your new choices and you realise aren’t really friends—OR—make new friends at your new youth group
• Being unsure about what the Bible says about being a Christian—OR—talk to others about their experience
• Read soppy romance novels—OR—read materials that help you better understand the Christian lifestyle.

I’m not suggesting you become boring, but to change what you see as fun. The whole idea of a new beginning is that it is different; therefore we act and think differently.

The best thing about God is that He is our heavenly Father, our friend, our protector, our mentor and our leader. God hasn’t left anything to chance and He doesn’t expect us to go the walk alone. He has everything written down clearly for us. God expects us to have a relationship with Him and treat Him as a friend. You can talk to God anytime of day and about any topic, just as you do with your friends. He listens. God even answers us if we stop, listen and wait. Just as we show emotions to our friends, God expects us to share our emotions with Him.

The best thing about God (unlike our earthly friends at times) is that when we do something wrong, He forgives us. We just need to make sure we get back on track and accept the forgiveness offered.
It’s like when we’re starting over with a friend we have hurt. We need to do things differently so it doesn’t happen again. We need to be sorry and accept their forgiveness. Then we need to treat them how they would like to be treated.

I’ve found that being a Christian and giving up some of my old ways has not always been easy, but it has been the best choice I’ve made.