In the bustling capital city of India, many of us share common aspirations of pursuing ambitious dreams and bringing honour to our parents. As Christian youths navigating the challenges of urban life, we are committed to building lives that reflect the grace of God and shine with His glory in everything we do. Despite being blessed with the presence of our church community, which provides support and enriches our spiritual life, we often find ourselves entangled in various worldly ideologies that make it challenging to stay true to our desired path. Alongside grappling with the complexities of urban existence, we encounter trials that test our faith and sometimes clash with our Christian beliefs. Life in the city is indeed complex, far from a seamless journey. In this essay, I attempt to explore the temptations that entice the youth in Delhi, and by youth, we are specifically referring to Christian youths, and discuss some of the practical ways to overcome these challenges.
Temptation, as defined by the Oxford dictionary, is “a thing that makes someone want to do or have something that they know is bad or wrong.” In the Biblical context, temptation presents a challenge where one must choose between fidelity and infidelity to their obligations toward God. The temptations faced by Christian youths in their interactions with friends, hold significant influence and leave lasting impacts. Non-believer friends, in particular, hold so much power over our decisions and actions that may often lead us towards paths that conflict with our Christian beliefs. This influence is often evident in our desire for acceptance and belonging, which can lead us to participate in activities contrary to our faith. Whether it involves experimenting with substances, engaging in impure behavior, or embracing ideologies that contradict ours, we often find ourselves torn between societal pressures and our spiritual convictions. We often find ourselves caught in the web of conflicting ideologies, where ideas may seem convincing yet contradict the teachings of God.
Often, in our pursuit of acceptance and validation from the world, we unknowingly endorse and practice worldly ideologies. This can lead us away from the path of righteousness and compromise our principles. Many young Christians may find themselves intrigued by worldly pleasures, whether they are philosophical concepts or physical experiences. In addition, the widespread influence of media, including movies, music, and social media, often glorifies behaviors that raise moral questions. For instance, the idea of “self care” and “freedom” is often interpreted as indulging in pleasures without considering the spiritual and moral implications. The desire to fit in with societal trends and gain affirmation from peers can sometimes lead to behaviors or choices that contradict our faith or moral standards. In this context, many of us may find ourselves becoming “people pleasers” who prioritize the approval of non-believers over our own convictions and beliefs. Being a “people pleaser” can be viewed from different perspectives. On one hand, it can mean being compassionate, empathetic, and accommodating towards others, which are qualities encouraged in Christian teachings. However, it can also have negative connotations when it leads to compromising one’s own principles, values, or faith in order to gain acceptance or approval from others, especially those who may not share the same beliefs. The pressure to conform and the fear of rejection or exclusion can be powerful forces that can lead to many youths choosing temporary acceptance over long- term spiritual growth and integrity.
However, Apostle Paul offers a very interesting perspective in 1 Corinthians 10:33, which says “Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved”. It contrasts the negative connotation often associated with the term and suggests a positive aspect when viewed through the lens of aligning with Christ’s teachings. In this context, being a “people pleaser” is not about changing oneself to conform to others’ desires or expectations at the expense of one’s own values or needs. Instead, it is about living in a way that reflects Christ’s character and seeking to benefit others in a selfless manner. So, while being a “people pleaser” in the negative sense can be detrimental, Paul’s example that seeking to please others in a way that aligns with the Christian way of life and helps one become more like Christ may not be so bad after all.
We live in a vulnerable environment where we often turn to coping mechanisms to deal with anxiety, stress, and other personal struggles. Finding our way through this challenging world can be particularly daunting, especially when we hit rock bottom and are striving to regain our balance. The enticing temptations the world presents can easily lead us astray from our spiritual path, especially when we’re vulnerable and seeking comfort.
This struggle becomes even more significant in today’s world where the growth of knowledge systems promote worldly notions of peace and fulfillment. The constant bombardment of these values can make it easy for us to fall into the pitfall of loving what the world has to offer more than loving God. It is a continuous battle to stay grounded in our faith and values, especially when the pressures of society push us towards shallow ideas of well-being. It is an undeniable reality that every individual faces temptation; no one is free from it. However, it takes strong values and conviction to resist these temptations. We must not settle for being mere Christians who only attend church on Sundays or participate in fellowships while chasing after worldly needs and desires. The essence of Christianity lies in loving God above all else and aligning our lives to one that reflects our faith and devotion, not just superficially while running after worldly pleasures. 1 John 2:15-17 describes a very clear differentiation that you either love the world or you love the Father. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
In the face of dwindling faith and ideologies that challenge the same, it is crucial to remember the wisdom of seeking guidance and strength. As Christian youths, we must continue to challenge our choices and guard our hearts to ensure we stay on God’s path. Just as we use an umbrella to shield ourselves from getting wet in the rain we can rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance to protect our minds from being consumed by evil thoughts. While we cannot control external influences, we have the power to choose how we respond to them, and turn to God for strength and wisdom in resisting temptation. As long as we arm ourselves with the belt of truth buckled around our waist, the breastplate of righteousness in place, our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, the shield of faith with which we can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God, we can take our stand against any kind of temptations. The most powerful and transformative approach is to return to the Holy Book and fill our hearts and minds with its teachings. May we find the strength to resist temptations and stay committed on the path of righteousness. We pray for His eternal grace to guide us as we journey through a world filled with trials yet remains beautiful.
