I was recently talking to one of my best friends about what it means to be a Christian. We are both in college and have noticed a certain stereotype when it comes to being a Christian, especially for young people.

I think what we have noticed is that there is often trendy Christian expectations that have arisen over the past few years. It seems that to be a young Christian woman, you must spend time in cute coffee shops with your friends, dress to impress in your boho outfit, wear chacos, and get your best journaling done in an expensive hammock. This is a frequent theme here in the south, especially around college campuses. I am not saying that any of these things are bad things in themselves. It is quite wonderful that young people are expressive of their faith. I am not saying that any of these things are bad things in themselves. However, I am saying that they can become criteria and become something that could make people feel excluded from getting to know Christ because they don’t fit the previously mentioned characteristics. If we keep molding ourselves to fit a certain image of what a Christian is ‘supposed’ to look like, we will lose our individuality somewhere along the way. God placed the moon and the stars, and had just as much intention when he placed the hairs on your head. He makes us all individually unique for a purpose. We all have different personalities and gifts that we can all use for His glory. How boring would this world be if Christians were all the same?

I guess what I just don’t understand is why we are putting Christianity into a box. Why is it that people must fit into a certain category in order to be a ‘good’ or 'strong' Christian? I also really don’t care for the term ‘good’ Christian, because we are all sinners, and are all in the same boat. If we start to put expectations on what a Christian is supposed to look like, I just worry that we are making the Kingdom smaller instead of making it grow. If you are taking pictures of your Bible or time with Jesus(which I have done too), I just want to encourage you to think about why it is you do so. . Do you do it in order to make your online self look like a ‘good’ Christian or do you do it to encourage those around you and be a light to them? Is your motivation your ego or bringing glory to the one who guides your heart? Social media is undoubtedly a major part our our generation, and we have the freedom to promote whatever we choose; I pray we use it with pure hearts.

I just want everyone to know Jesus, because he is my best friend, and he doesn’t care if you look perfect on the outside. He wants everyone to know him, whether you do your Bible time at a coffee shop or in your room. It doesn’t matter if you end up being a stay at home mom or if you work at a full time job. What matters your heart. Having a relationship with Jesus radically changes our desires and the way that we relate to people. God gives you your gifts for a reason. Use them, and be a light where you are. You don’t have to fit into a certain outside image in order to be a Christian. Our relationship with Jesus is personal, so why would we try to be like anyone else?

Remember that enos and chacos are not bad things (those tan lines are pretty rockin’). They are also not a requirement. Just be confident in who God has created you to be. If that means you rock the hipster thing, that is awesome. If you aren’t, that is awesome too. All God asks of us is to glorify Him. Don’t feel like you have to look perfect all the time to impress others or Him. Christianity is not for perfect people. He knows your heart, and that is so much more important. Just genuinely live for Him, share His love, and let that speak for itself. Don't seek approval from others but instead seek a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Jesus knows that every single one of us is beautiful. Don’t try to hide the things that make you, you. He made you how you are for a reason. Be confident in Him, and let that light shine through whatever He has you doing, even when you don't have time to take a picture.

“Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Luke 12:7

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

1 Peter 3:3-4

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Galatians 1:10

For a good laugh^^