Be on your Guard
As Christians in a sinful world we have to constantly be on our guard against temptations.
ie. grades, peer pressure, college, reputation, internet, sports, etc. All these things can be abused so that we spend so much time with them we neglect our time with God. In society where we are constantly being tempted it is important to "recharge our batteries" in Christ. Matthew 26:41, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Stand Firm, Be courageous, Be strong.
In Revelation 3:15-16 the Lord says, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Ya know that super gross water fountain water that isn't quite cold, but isn't hot either? That is what I imagine when God is explaining "lukewarm". I know I have to be dying for thirst if I am willing to drink water fountain water, because I usually get the impulse to gag or spit it out. The Lord feels the same way with lukewarm christians. As he explains, he wishes you were either hot or cold. It is important as Christians for us to stand up for what we believe and stick to what the bible says. There is nothing worse than a false witness. Many times people turn away from Christianity solely because of the actions of people who claim the name as a christian.
Do Everything in Love
As mentioned above our witness is one if not is the most important part of being a Christian. We remember that God is love and as representation of God here on this earth we have to also demonstrate love to everyone regardless of how they treat us. In Matthew 5:43 is says, "Love your enemies" and in Ephesians 5:15-17, "Be careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.".
Lastly remember that every temptation and sacrifice made on this watt is nothing compared to the joy of heaven and the relationship with God. In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are eating away,yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For out light and momentary troubles are achieveing for us and eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
