For many young Christians, the first real test of faith is not a hard question in a lecture hall. It is the first Sunday morning when nobody wakes you up for church.

Owning your faith

Daniel was a young man taken far from home to Babylon, surrounded by a new culture and new expectations. Before the pressure arrived, "Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (Daniel 1:8). He decided in advance.

Faith that was handed to you by your parents has to become your own. Moving away is often the moment that happens, one way or the other.

Young does not mean second class

Paul told Timothy, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers" (1 Timothy 4:12). Young people are not the church of tomorrow. You are part of the church today, with gifts it needs now.

Habits that travel with you

1. Find a church in your first monthDo not wait until you feel settled. Look up churches before you arrive and go on your first Sunday. If you are not sure where to start, ask us and we will help.
2. Keep a daily rhythm"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word" (Psalm 119:9). A short reading and prayer at the same time each day goes a long way.
3. Choose close friends carefully"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise" (Proverbs 13:20). Look for at least one friend who is following Jesus too.
4. Stay connected to homeKeep in touch with your youth leaders and church family. A message or call when things are hard can keep you anchored.

If you have already drifted

Maybe you are reading this months or years after you stopped going. In the story of the prodigal son, "when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran" (Luke 15:20). There is no lecture waiting for you. There is a welcome. Come home.

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