When I was a teenager, I didn’t know anything about Jesus. But if I could go back in time, and be a Christian teenager going to public school, knowing what I know now, this is how I would witness to my classmates and friends about the awesome power of Jesus Christ.

I have found the best way to influence others is how we live our own life. If we are with our schoolmates six hours a day, we will have plenty of time to show them who we are and what we stand for. More importantly, as Christian teenagers with a message, we should always keep in mind what Jesus said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24 NIV)

If we proclaim to be followers of Christ then we should not be ashamed or embarrassed to tell others about him. Taking up our own cross is the greatest testimony we can give to our friends and classmates. We first show them what kind of a person we are by our actions, rather than in our speech. We should be patient and wait for our classmates to get curious and want to know more about our life.

I would prepare myself for rejection and persecution from my classmates and school administration. Don’t except that everyone who hears what you have to say is going to be receptive to it. Jesus said, “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.” (Matthew 12:30 NIV)

I would be careful not to judge those who are different than me, but I would try and show them a better walk through what I have learned in my own walk. Our walk should be consistent with our talk. We are to shine our light on others in such a way that they will want to know more and want to hear our testimony. We hide our light when we go along with the crowd. We hide our light when we don’t tell others about Jesus.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. (Matthew 5:14 NIV)

To witness to others about the awesome truths of our Lord and Savior we need to keep our focus on Jesus and not ourselves. It is not about our abilities and accomplishments but what Jesus has done for us in our life. Our responsibility as Christian’s is to let people see God through us. Shine your light.

“For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5 NIV)