As a teen, you want to be accepted by your peers. It is important to you to be like them rather than different. As Christians, we are told to separate ourselves from the world and worldliness. It is tough to balance both concepts. Witnessing means showing why God's way is better. It means 'fishing for men' as you bring souls to Christ. So, how does a young Christian witness for his faith and still be part of a peer group? The answer is multi-faceted.

First, let's take a long look at your present peer group. Do they engage in smoking pot, drinking alcohol, doing crime, or having sex? Ask yourself, are these activities that a Christian should be involved with? If the answer is 'NO', and it is, you may want to slowly change your peer group. Since any Christian gains strength and support from other Christians, this is the easiest change.

But, witnessing means showing others that do not know what it means to accept Christ as their savior. Even Jesus did most of his work among the worst of sinners. Besides, maybe your best friend is among the present peer group. It is less necessary to witness to other Christians, and we need to walk among the unsaved.

So the second way is to keep some of your present peer group and attempt to bear witness to your faith. This can be a real challenge, but you can do it. There is always some danger that they might try to bring you to their point of view. Only a strong Christian can reject these behaviors and not succumb to peer pressure.

Okay, you have decided to stick with your group. How do you witness without them thinking you are a nut? Are you able to resist references to 'Jesus People'? Hey, that is what you are; maybe you need to say that. Be proud of the fact you are one of Jesus' children. If it is really hard for you to stand up for what you believe, you can still witness in more subtle ways.

Example is the best teacher. Show by your actions that you hold higher values. Talk about going to church and go. Telling someone you believe in something, but not showing him or her is not profitable in witnessing.

· Offer to pray for your friends to show that you believe in the power of prayer and that you truly have found something better. Pray in front of them or say grace so they will believe you mean it.

· When you refuse to be involved in illegal or immoral activities because of your faith, they will see faith in action. They will also eventually respect you for your convictions.

· Ask people to attend services with you on Sundays or invite them to some of your Youth Group activities at church.

· Whenever the chance arises to speak about the Bible, do it. If an opportunity presents itself to share the message that Jesus died for our sins. Take it. Explain to your friend that Jesus is the way to perfect peace and happiness. Don't fear you won't be able to do this, just start slowly and share. God will be with you.

Teens you have a wonderful opportunity to change the opinions held by most adults concerning teens. Counteract all that bad press by showing you are a young believer who is following God's plan for their life. People will see you as living proof and believe.

After you have led people to the Lord, you will be overcome with feeling and be anxious to do it again and again. The blessings of 'Saving Souls' far outweigh the problems to accomplish it.

Remember if you 'walk the walk and 'talk the talk' people will notice and also believe. If you are a hypocrite saying one thing, but doing another, you will not be a faithful witness. As a teen, you know how you hate 'plastic, unreal people.' So don't become one. It takes strength and courage to be a Christian in today's world. Live your life as a Christian and you will become a 'fisher of men.'

Credits: Jo Ann Wentzel