Lately I've been asking myself what it really means to be a Christian. Some people say that if you believe in God you're an immediate Christian. However, I'm starting to see that it doesn't necessarily work that way. Do we really deserve the title 'Christians' if we're not at least trying to live our lives for Christ? Think about it, that's like me saying "Oh, I believe in Jesus so I'm getting an all-access pass to Heaven." But that's not the way it should be. Christians are supposed to be an inspiration to others and show God through the way we live. However, that's not what is happening. Do we really think it's okay to be out on Saturday night committing numerous sins and sit in a church service the next morning like we're perfect little angels? Because I don't.

Now, before I continue, let me say that I am not the perfect person. I haven't lived up to the title of a true Christian. I am, however, working to better myself. I'm bettering myself for my peers, family, and most importantly, God. In the past I have lied, spoke foully of others, and judged people who I felt were less than me. None of these things fit into the personality of a true Christian.

One thing I need everyone to understand is that Christianity is not a title but a lifestyle. Of course, we aren't going to be perfect because no one ever is. But we should rely on God and ask him to help us fix these flaws that hold us back from being a light to someone's life. I hear two very negative, but true, things about Christians. One is "Why would we want to be a Christian when some of them are the worst people we know?" I hear this all the time, and it's truly sad. Like I've already said, as Christians it's our job to show God through us and be his missionaries to every single person we come across in life. God put us on this earth to inspire and light up this world, so let's not let our lights burn out because someone else may be using it to get through the woods themselves.

I also I tend to hear "Well, I don't go to church because I'm judged by the Christian hypocrites." This is even worse. We should not be driving people away from church, we should be drawing them to church! When you see a guest at your church offer them a seat by you and make them feel at home, despite who they are and how they look. Befriend them and always keep in mind that you could be that one miracle they needed to keep going.

As Christians, we should not only aspire to better ourselves but also our schools, communities, and the world. If we don't do it, who else will? A simple act of kindness can start a chain reaction. If you see that one girl who gets teased all the time sitting at lunch alone, go sit with her. If you see someone getting picked on in the hallway, take a stand and put a stop to it. Eventually other's will start to do the same and BOOM...you've started a new trend that actually matters. Something so small and simple can make such a big change for the better.

Keep this in mind: we should also be more grateful for the things God has blessed us with instead of worrying about the things we don't have. We have to put all of our faith in him and trust the plan he has for us. Remember, he lets everything happen for a reason and won't take something away from you without planning to replace it with something better.

Forgiveness. We have to learn to forgive and to let go of the grudges that hold us back. Can you imagine what it would be like if God held grudges against us? That would be extremely unfortunate. We have to learn to forgive, the sooner the better.

So stop hiding your faith, get out there, and be the biggest Jesus-freak there is. Don't let your passion for God die down just because someone doesn't agree with the way you're living your life. Bring your Bible to school, pray in the courtyard, and sing his name to the top of your lungs. Don't hide your faith. With that said, I would like you to follow me in bettering yourself and living life for God. Let's start a chain reaction and make the impact God put us on earth for.

"Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in Heaven" -Matthew 5:16