Any advice for a young believer?

Hi, everybody, I'm a young teenager that's new in the faith. I'm sure that many of you have been walking with the LORD for a while, and I was just wondering, what is some of the biggest advice you can give me in following Him? I love how in Pilgrim's Progress after Christian and Hopeful's encounter with the Giant Despair they leave a pillar to warn other believers not to stumble from the Way as they did. What pillars can you leave me that warn me of dangers that I'll have to face? What advice can you give me that will equip me build me up in the faith? I'd definitely appreciate some solid, Biblical advice. Thanks!

*This is mainly addressed to people who've been Christians for a while, but if you're my age with something to share, I'm all ears!

My best advice is to find some friends who share a common goal with you. It is hard to move forward when you are alone, so it is best to surround yourself with other people wanting to grow in their faith along with you. :)

Hi hi, Lydia-chan! Super happy to help ya out, it is quite the dope experience seeing new believers join the community. Kind of like eating Skittles and Sprite at the same time, but with less diabetes. ^_^

Well, in general, as a teen living in 'Murica (I'm assuming you live in the States), the most common temptations are pride and discontentment. Pride is a huge motivator: it can fuel your pursuit of school, friends, money, even your relationship with God. It takes a lot of forms: maybe you want to be the best athlete on your track team, maybe you're trying to get noticed at your job, perhaps you want that special someone to see that you're a great person, but if it's fueled by pride, it won't help you. In the end, you'll be hurt. Keep your focus on God, and you'll understand that the most fulfilling life can only be accomplished by serving Him.

Also, don't think that you can't serve God in the little things. Loving books, video games, movies, music, people, friends, the Internet: none of those things are bad or inherently unholy. The best life is the life lived to the fullest for God. :)

Discontentment is also a subtle poison that will eat away at you easily if you don't watch out. It takes many many MANY variable forms, and it slides its way into our lives very easily. It's the source of impulse buys, it's the cause of addiction, and it repeatedly tells you that you could do better, be better, live better if something changed.

While you should always do your best to live the best life you can, you also need to remember that God places you where He wants to place you in life, and that He has His own reasons for doing so. When life gets confusing, run to Him in prayer and remember that He is interested in your best interests. Always. He never ever plans anything to hurt you or to bring you down, even though that might happen in the process.

Also, remember that you're not alone. Anything that you've been through, someone else has as well. Don't hesitate to go to other Christians with your struggles. God works through people. :)

Hi Lydia! Great to have you here! :) A recommendation that I have (which might be somewhat obvious, but for me at least, easy to forget) is to never excuse sin, in yourself or others. Be forgiving of others, and don't hold grudges against yourself, but also don't explain it away. And then, once everything is resolved, don't think about it any more. Getting stuck in the past will get you nowhere. When we repent, God forgives us completely.
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him." - Psalm 103:8-13

May God bless you as you follow Him! :)

Insert the first part of the book of Proverbs

Proverbs 18:12 Humility goes before honor.

Insert the rest of the book Proverbs
:D

Hi Lydia! I'm Rosie and I am 17. I've been a "Christian" pretty much my whole life. Number 1 thing to remember is that we have a God who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. We always have an advocate to the Father.

1. Make good Christian friends.

2. Listen to your parents.

3. Go to church, even if you don't like the church. (Don't neglect the assembly of the Saints.)

4. Be careful what you read, watch, say and think.

5. Ask God for wisdom and help. (James 1:5)

6. Pray. At all times.

7. Watch what you eat.

8. Read the Bible. Constantly.

9. Be honest with yourself and others.

10. Relax! Being a Christian does not mean you have just a list of rules to follow. Enjoy God and glorify him forever.

I agree with Ianator (Ian) and HK (Sam) Aidan and Peter. :)