Hi genie_us!

I have a little problem I think I could use your help on. Don't worry, it's not about romance or a bad relationship or obsession. I think this is something you can relate to...

It's about religion.

You see, I was born Buddhist, so I burn incense and joss sticks and all that, but I want to convert to Christianity. And so whenever I burn incense and do stuff like that I feel like I'm dishonoring God.

I want to convert to Chrisianity, because I have joined various Christian-related activities, organized by a local Christian school. I have joins a Youth Camp, joined a group: Boy's Brigade. (BB is somewhat like a Scout Troupe, but focuses more on religion, and in this case, Christianity).

I also go to Church near the aforementioned school every Saturday to attend something called YDM (Youth Disciplineship Ministry). We have a pastor named Steve and every week he comes and preaches and has a sermon about God, life, Christianity, etc. We take notes, listen, and remember. We also sing worship songs before every sermon.

But back to the problem. I have voiced out my thoughts to my Mom, but she says, "Don't rush into it, don't let them baptize you get. You're still Buddhist."

So I don't know what to do, because I feel like I'm worshipping two gods, and that just isn't right. I say a prayer of thanks before and after every meal, and every night before I sleep I pray for the Lord's blessing upon me and others. But on the other hand, I also go to temples with my Mom and burn incense and joss sticks.

I'm really confused, and I don't know what to do. A little help?

- Religiously Confused and Frustrated

::

Heya.

I'll try and tackle this from a more Christian perspective because I'm one and quite frankly I don't know much about Buddhism, and also because you want to become a Christian so it makes sense.

This is a really, really big part of your life and so I cannot stress how much you need to talk about it with people who are older, like your pastor and everything, but here's my advice.

1. Really think about your choice

Your mum is right in telling you not to rush, in the sense that it's such a major decision you'll have to make. It's going to completely change and affect the rest of your life.

In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says to His disciples:

If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

This verse is a very powerful one in that it tells us that being a Christian is no joke. You must take up your cross and follow him - which means that it's not all daisies and roses following Jesus. It won't be easy at all, especially in your case, considering your family is Buddhist. There'll be so many things you'll have to face, things you'll have to say "no!" to, things you'll even have to do. It's tough sometimes, and you've to be sure you're willing to take that on.

So, are you ready to take up your cross and follow Him?

2. Read your Bible and continue to pray, specifically about your decision.

I remember in Sunday School we always used to sing this song: "read your Bible, pray every day...if you want to grow."

That's how you grow in your faith with Christ. When you know that Jesus is your Lord and Saviour, you've got to get to know Him. So keep going to Church and all, because it helps you find yourself in terms of your relationship with God.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
~ Phil. 4:6

Pray to God about your troubles. Tell him about how you're confused. Don't be afraid to tell him how you feel and everything.

You must trust that God will guide you through this.

3. Talk to your pastor, personally (get the opportunity to speak to him alone)

I think this is one of the most important things you should do amidst all this. Go up to him and say,

"Pastor, I'm Buddhist by birth, but I want to become a Christian. It's very scared and confusing, and I need you to help me through this..."

Let him know about the whole situation with your parents, with worshipping at the temple, with your relationship with God. Having such a mentor and someone you can talk to about God will really help you thorough this.

He may refer you to verses, he may guide you to go about your Baptism (did you know that you don't really need to be Baptized to say you're a Christian? It's just accepting Jesus as your Saviour, and giving your life to him that matters...).

Talk to him often and regularly, let him know how you're doing. Having someone to wall this walk with you will really help you spiritually as well as emotionally.

He may also help you speak to your parents, which leads me to the next point:

4. Have a sit down with your parents and let them know about your decision.

Your Mum didn't seem completely closed to the idea of your conversion. Like, you told her that you wanted to convert, she used the word "yet" which suggests that she may actually be a bit more open to the idea. Moreover, she lets you go to Church and all. So at least you don't have a very strict parent in relation to this!

But, they are still your parents and I think you may need to have a sit down with them and let them know that you're seriously about this.

You have to know why. Why you've made this decision to dedicate your life to Christ.

Letting them know may mean that they may understand how uncomfortable you feel going to the temple, for instance, and maybe they may allow you off the hook with the incense and whatnot.

4. Be prepared for persecution

Jesus says in Matthew 10:22 that:

You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.

You must be prepared for persecution because of your choices. People will say, judge, even hate you because of your choice to follow Jesus. Remember, even your parents are Buddhist so you may get it from them as well.

However, be strong in your faith and stand by your decision. This is YOUR decision; no one else should decide for you what you want to believe.

5. Allow for your family's culture, too

All the same, you've got to be respectful of what your family and the people around you believe in.

If your Mum wants you to go with her to the temple, tell her you appreciate it but you don't feel comfortable doing that.

But, if it means much to her and she still insists you go, just go. As long as you're not worshipping another God but the Christian God, you're all good (if you know what I mean).

Believe it or not, you can embrace this other religion without disrespecting your own. I, for example, have been to a temple, but I didn't pray to their God(s) or anything that I felt went against my beliefs.

So yea.

5. It's what's in your heart!

God once said to David that even though men look at what is outside, He [God] looks at what is inside; in the heart.

God knows your heart.

He knows what you truly believe, what you truly feel. If your heart is truly with Him, then he knows.

You see, one thing I discovered is that being a Christian isn't about how much/how often/how loudly you pray, or how many Bible verses you know, or how many times you attend Church.

It's deeper than that. It's a much more inward thing.

You must know what you believe. Stand firm. Live a life where you are an example to others in your faith.

Like I said, you don't have to be baptized to say that you're a Christian. Of course, is encourage you to be baptized sometime in the future, but there's no rush with that. If you know in your heart that Jesus is your one and only Lord and Saviour, and that you're willing to put your trust in him, I think that's all you'll need. You don't need a fancy ceremony or anything. It's how you personally connect with Jesus that matters.

::

I don't know what burning incense or joss sticks means in Buddhism, but if you feel like they go against your religion as a Christian, try and let your Mum and/or Dad that you'd prefer not to. If they don't give you a choice though, I think God will understand...just keep praying and talking to your pastor about everything. Continue to grow in your faith because like I said, it's about YOUR relationship with God. Not anyone else's. So at the end of the day, you must know that it's Him you love and serve, and only Him. If Buddhism means nothing to you, God knows that.

You see, it's not so much about what your parents say you should of should not be, it's about what you choose to be. They can't stop you from praying of believing in Christ. So don't let them stop you. Don't be confused about where you stand if you know where you stand. Does that make sense (lol)?

When your heart is with Him, there is nothing that can stand against you -

If God is for us, who is against us?

~ Romans 8:31

Keep reading the Bible. Keep going to prayer groups like the ones you mentioned. Keep praying. And, live a life that reflects Christ in you. Let everyone see that truly, you love Jesus.

::

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

~ Isaiah 41:10

God is always with you, love. And, he loves you regardless. Don't ever forget that:)

Hope I helped! God bless you.

- genie_us xx

(PS, have a Merry Christmas in advance!)