VYM proudly presents...Top Tips for Youth Christians! This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of things to do, or how to qualify as a Christian, but a snapshot of what helps to keep us on fire for God. Go Glory Carriers!

1. Know God for yourself

   The Bible says that the people that do know their God shall be strong and do great exploits. (Daniel 11:32) Don’t let anyone or anything distract you from your No.1 priority in life: Serving God. Building a relationship with God means spending quality time with Him and practicing his presence on a daily basis. This may mean you having to shut down your Computer, the TV, radio or whatever else so that you can focus your attention on Him. Reading and meditating on scripture, making notes or studying a weekly topic, praying, attending church and prayer meeting, fasting...These are all ways we are able to build up our Spirit and get closer to God. ‘Okay...But how do I really get to know God??’ you may ask: By practicing the above on a daily basis, not legalistically but out of a heart of love. It takes time, discipline and sacrifice, but you’ll have a fantastic relationship with God as a reward!

2. Forget the World- You’re a new creature in Christ now!

   Our aim is to keep ourselves unspotted from the world as outlined in James 1:27. This doesn’t mean you become a recluse or hermit and you lock yourself indoors for 6months. No! What it means is having a lifestyle that reflects the glory and goodness of God, that we are committed to the cause of Christ, that  our identity is no longer to be found in the world and what it deems as being acceptable or cool. Our character, speech, inclinations, desires and behaviour should not based on the World, but should be based on God and His will for our lives.

3. Know the Word, believe the Word, speak the Word and live the Word!

   Get radical for God! Be the ‘Good Soil’ (Mark 4:1-20) Know what the word of God says about your life because without knowledge of God’s Word, you’ll die spiritually (Hosea 4:6). That’s the first step. Then make a decision to believe what God’s Word says. Ask God Himself to reveal his word to you so that you get a real insight or revelation about Him that isn’t just in your head, but firmly in your heart. Have faith in God and believe that anything is possible with Him! Next, it’s vital you speak the word. Speaking the word changes things. ‘Let there be light’, ‘Lazarus, come forth’ and ‘Talitha Cumi’ show us that even God Himself used words to change situations! You can do the same. Life and death are in the power of the tongue- You decide what you see in your life with what you say about your life. Finally, live the word. After all, faith without works is dead which means if you profess one thing but live another your faith...isn’t really faith at all. There needs to be corresponding action for our faith to truly be genuine. So do the word!

4. Be the Salt and Light in this world

   Challenge the people around you at college, school, work, university...Wherever! You are an ambassador for Christ, you bear his mark and name and he has brought you with a price. Our aim is never to fit in, but to stand out and stand up for Christ. Challenge injustice. Speak the truth. Love your enemies. Pray without ceasing. In all things, ask yourself ‘What would Jesus Do?’ Then do it!

5. Aim for holiness!

   Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.. (Hebrews 12:14 ) To be Holy is to be pure in heart speech action attitude and lifestyle, as well as being in faith obedient and truthful. Don’t lie! Don’t get involved in strife, division or gossip! Don’t be jealous! Remember holiness is not just about what we do, but our motive for doing it- having clean hands and pure heart. When all is said and done, keep yourself connected to the pure, true vine and your hearts desires and lifestyle will be pure too.

6. Be Christ-like and Heavenly minded.

   Our minds should be fixed on the things above and not the things on this Earth. What we think affects what we say, what we say affects what we do, what we do develops into habits, habits develop into character, character into destiny. Live, breathe, think Christ and that’s what you’ll inherit!

7. Get involved in Church… Come to Youth Service!

   Can you sing? Join the choir! Friendly? Be an usher! Or are you good with kids? Join the Children’s Church! Getting involved in Church helps us to stay connected to our brothers and sisters in Christ so we’re able to dwell in unity and it also helps develop character in us. Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together is what the scripture says…So don’t be lazy, come to church!

8. Be a witness for Christ

   Tell people about Christ as often as you can. We’re supposed to go in to all the world and preach the Gospel. Not just by standing on a street corner with a Bible, but by living the Bible too. As young people, our actions will always speak louder than our words so make sure you are like an epistle read by men- people can read your life like a book and see Christ written all over it!