How to Make a Positive Impact as a Christian

If you're a Christian and want to make the world a better place, keep in mind that it’s not just about attending church or reading the Bible (though that's important too). You can change the world by living a Christian life every single day. There are many ways to work for the good of others and make a positive impact as a Christian.

Take the Right Stance

Step 1. Be a Good Example for Other Young People.

Be a good example for other young people. As a young Christian, you should set a positive example. This means following Christian teachings. Everything you do in your life should reflect God's goodness.

• Smile, maintain a positive outlook on life, and do good deeds. Avoid gossiping behind others' backs. Be kind to everyone, including those who are unpopular. Love your neighbor as yourself. Take action instead of just talking.
• Be a leader. Avoid participating in sinful activities or laughing at them. Just walk away. But also try to stop others from engaging in such behavior. If you see something wrong happening, intervene. Be the one person in school who does not tolerate gossip and foul language.
• Don't drink. Don't smoke, don’t attend parties, don’t cheat on tests, don’t gossip, and don’t engage in other negative behaviors. Be someone who would rather kneel in prayer on a Friday night than waste time at a party.

Step 2. Be Kind and Patient.

Be kind and patient. If people can’t see that you’re a Christian through your words and actions, then you’re doing something wrong. Every day should be lived with the right attitude.

• Love others and help them, even when it’s not personally beneficial to you. This is the core commandment Jesus gave during His earthly life. It’s crucial to love others as you love yourself. Don’t let your ego and social standing prevent you from treating others like they are your brothers and sisters.
• Don’t be narrow-minded. Love people of all religions, nationalities, beliefs, and sexual orientations. Avoid swearing and speaking carelessly. How can you stand out in a good way if you're cursing or telling dirty jokes yourself? Behave respectfully, honorably, and with integrity.
• Every day, at work or school, set a good example of Christian living. When interacting with non-believers, be kind, humble, patient, and show respect.

Step 3. Reach Out to Those Shunned by Others.

Reach out to those whom others turn away from. Jesus showed love to people whom others rejected or considered outcasts. Never give up on a person, especially never lose hope in God, whether in good or bad times.

• In school, you will encounter cliques and isolated groups. These are people who only interact with a certain circle because they don't know anyone else and don't want to make an effort to meet new people. Everyone does this. But you can take a step forward and build bridges, stepping out of your comfort zone.
• During lunch, you can sit next to someone who is alone and befriend them. Or listen to someone. Establishing a personal relationship with someone is a great first step to leading them to Christ. A humble yet effective way is to plant seeds and allow the Holy Spirit to take root in others' hearts.
• You already have some relationships with people around you. You can encourage them, offer to pray for them, live by the Bible, and demonstrate God’s love and grace through your example. Treat everyone as equals, regardless of their social status or profession. Remember that all people are God’s creation and deserve understanding.

Step 4. Learn to Graciously Accept Rejection or Loss.

Learn to graciously accept rejection or loss. If you do good deeds, you can feel joy. But sometimes it can be difficult when you face negativity or are pushed away.

• If someone asks about your faith, don’t panic. Remember that everyone has their own path to Christ. Some conversions are dramatic, while others are gradual; however, your experience is unique. Share with others what you believe and why, even if they laugh at you.
• Turn the other cheek. If someone treats you rudely or harshly, show forgiveness and love. Christians are called to forgive. We are all sinners by nature, all struggling with sin and sometimes falling. Don’t lose heart. If someone hurts you, find a way to forgive.
• If you stumble, forgive yourself, get back up, and try again. What matters to God is how many times you rise again. Strive to grow in a positive direction. You are unique, with your own gifts, talents, strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes. Cultivate the positive aspects of your personality.

Study Your Faith

Step 1. Continuously Study Your Faith.

Continuously study your faith. Keep learning about what you believe. Remember that even adults still struggle with tough questions.

• Attend youth services with a heart ready to learn. People in the group will notice the difference. Start answering questions and step out of your comfort zone. If you step out of your comfort zone, others will too.
• Proclaiming Bible verses is good, but understanding the deep meaning of a verse and how it relates to the context of the entire Bible is even more important. You might say, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son..." (John 3:16), but unless you learn to show that same love to others, they will find it hard to see the positive changes in you that relate to your faith.

Step 2. Read the Bible

Read the Bible. Try to read Scripture every day. The Word of God is vital for Christian life as it provides guidance. You can also listen to Christian podcasts or watch videos on YouTube.

• Ask questions. You’ll never know everything. Many Christians spend their whole lives studying their faith, yet they do not know it all. Remember that when we read Christian teachings, it’s important to consider the historical context, language, translation, and linguistic context.
• Seek out older teachers of the faith and show them respect. This could be a pastor, priest, or Sunday school teacher. Ask them to help you learn about your faith. Try attending a Bible study group for your age—this is much more effective for your growth in faith and knowledge of the Bible than attending traditional services.

Step 3. Pray

Pray as often as possible and attend church. You can start with words like: “God, I don't know what to do, but I wholeheartedly want to contribute.” God doesn’t care so much about what you say to Him; He loves to hear from you.

• You might keep a prayer journal so you can track what you’ve prayed about and later see how God has answered your prayers. Don’t forget to pray not only for yourself but also for others.
• Try to attend church as often as possible. Ask your parents to take you to church. Try to memorize some prayers and pray before bed and before each meal. Throughout the day, find moments to relax and think about God, what you’re thankful for, what you’ve done wrong, and what you need to correct.
• Ask God in prayer what you should do. God knows all your abilities, strengths, and weaknesses; He knows what you need to do to contribute. Neither your age nor your comfort zone should prevent you from doing what God calls you to do.

Serve Your Neighbors

Step 1. Organize

Organize a fundraiser to help those in need. You can start by saving your change or your allowance. Find a worthy cause and help raise funds for it. Or just donate your money to a good cause.

• You can use online donation sites. Participate in or help with evangelism, assisting people in knowing God and His Word. There are many organizations striving to help disadvantaged people worldwide and to share the Good News of Christ with them.
• You could wash cars or set up a lemonade stand. You can sell your old books. The size of your donation doesn’t matter; what matters is giving all or most of what you have.

Step 2. Join a Youth Group

Join a youth group or participate in a mission. This is another way to serve your neighbors by being involved in youth activities in your church. Try to go on missionary trips organized by your church, whether they are international, national, or local. If your church does not engage in such activities, suggest organizing such a ministry at your meeting.

• Try to give a tithe (10% of your money) to the church or donate items you no longer use. It would also be great to invite friends to church or to the youth group.
• Don’t view the youth group as a school and don’t act as if it’s something boring. Dedicate yourself to God and show this to those around you by staying happy and cheerful, and contribute to the group. If possible, join a Christian club at your school.
• Remember that missions don’t have to go to distant lands across oceans. You can organize a missionary trip to a local university or college or simply go out with your church friends on the streets and tell everyone who wants to listen about Jesus.

Step 3. Don’t Hide Your Faith and Principles.

Don’t hide your faith and principles. Sometimes this can be very difficult. You may feel like you are the only Christian who doesn’t hide their faith. Stand firm. Actively develop your relationship with Christ. Step out of your comfort zone, cooperate with others, and build relationships with them.

• Young Christians are ambassadors, not undercover agents. To change people's hearts, you first need to build relationships with them. Try to openly express your faith. You could wear t-shirts that spark discussions.
• Stand firm in your beliefs and openly express your moral convictions. This can be done positively rather than negatively. Be ready to stand up for what you believe in. Be a witness to what Christ has done for you. Many young people today have a weak or little faith in God or none at all. You will contribute by being a living proof of what the Word of God can offer them.

Step 4. Dedicate Time to Volunteer Service.

Dedicate time to volunteer service. You can help the homeless, care for the elderly and disabled, or work at an animal shelter. Help out at church, at school, and at home.

• You can also serve by simply being a positive force in your surroundings. Help classmates with their homework, organize a park cleanup, or become a blood donor.
• Help in your church. Do everything you can to help at your church. Maybe you can simply hold the door open for someone at church. You can offer to help clean up after services.

Step 5. If You Think Your Testimony Can Help Someone, Share Your Faith.

If you believe your testimony can help someone, share your faith. This doesn’t mean you should force your beliefs on others. But if someone asks you what gives you strength in your endeavors, tactfully tell them that you believe in God and place all your worries, fears, and pains on Him while you help others with their struggles.

• Don’t be afraid to share your testimony. Talk to your minister or pastor about where you can share your testimony and where you can help in the church. It’s important to remember that sometimes it’s enough that people simply know you’re a Christian, as long as you are happy, friendly, and not imposing on others.
• If you know someone who is searching and open to receiving the word, it would be good to tell that person more about God. But remember that Christianity is not superior to other religions. Christianity is a religion of peace and love. Learn to love those around you as they are, and remember that you shouldn’t force the Bible on them; that won't change them. If you want to show people how Christianity has made you better, be kind to those around you, regardless of their beliefs.