A christian must love GOD more than themselves.
It's not easy putting something or someone else in front of your own life. Humans, by nature, like to feel like we are in full control of what happens to us. Unfortunately, though, GOD decided it would be best if we had a much smaller brain than we could, and gave us the inability to imitate GOD. By doing that, he left ingrained in us the ability to love him more than we can possibly fathom. The Trinity itself is not easy to comprehend, and I don't think we ever can, but if we keep our eyes set on our father and our creator, we don't have to worry about it; he'll put us through and show us exactly what we need at that time.
A christian must realize that the world is not the truth.
Despite what the world says, no it is not okay to be a practicing homosexual (I Corinthians 6:9-10). With that said, I must also say, I love gay people, just like I would any other person in the world. However, the fact that they are covered in that sin, I cannot bring myself to supporting gay marriage or gay rights, because I feel that by supporting gay marriage, they get the idea that I'm tolerant of their sin, which I'm not. Remember readers, hate the sin, not the person.
A similar ideology appeals to drinking. Yes, if you are of age and responsible, it is okay to drink IN MODERATION. However, it is NOT okay to get drunk (Ephesians 5:18). The world disagrees, and classifies teenagers and college students as a bunch of party-hard, good-for-nothing, irresponsible animals! However, if we abstain from drinking, that stereotype can go away quickly. However, modern teenagers and christians alike find it difficult to put down the beer and walk away. Readers, brace yourselves, I'm about to blow your mind. Yes, you CAN have fun without drinking alcohol!
The most successful witness is provided by sight, not sound.
A non-christian is very easy to convert, with the right tools. It's not going to be nearly as easy telling someone that you love them, as it will be showing them that love. How convinced is someone going to be that you are loyal to GOD if every other word you say is a swear word? (Ephesians 4:29) Smiling, helping someone in need, and truly caring are all ways of helping get the point across that you really do love GOD and your life. I hate to break it to some of you, but it's really difficult to convert someone with showing off how much Biblical knowledge you have.
Go to church. It may be more than you expected.
The main focus of ministers and deacons these days is all about fun and numbers in a church. Honestly, numbers mean nothing. The Bible stresses the fact to go to church(Hebrews 10:25); it doesn't matter if more are here or if more are there; just have church! The fact is, we are all one body. Christians should not fight one another, as I have struggled with in the past, but instead help each other through truthful advice and personal reconstruction. Accountability is not supposed to be fun or easy. Personally, I want the person who is accountable for me to kick my butt metaphorically. I don't want a slap on the wrist, a band-aid, and a "Have A Nice Day" ending! Christians need to be more assertive in our helping of other christians. It's okay to take a little mental change; it helps to make a person stronger in their faith.
I enjoy the shotgun approach to ministry once in a while. A little food for thought is always good! And remember, this is an opinionated blog! I encourage others' inputs on what I've said. Also, thanks again for the support! No one is making you read these, but just by visiting my blog, whether positive or negative, you are supporting me, so THANK YOU EVERYONE!