Expert: Carl Fuglein - 1/3/2009

Question
I recently joined the Army, and most of my friends are non-Christians or have serious doubts about religion.  I get alot of flak from both of them about Christianity. The army likes to make a joke of the whole thing. And my friends, the ones ive counted on for so long, just don't follow the path and I feel that being around them leads me into temptation. What can I do to help deal with all of this? I'm a Christian, but the whole thing has been an uphill on/off battle and I'm sick of that. I want to stay on God's path but I need some advice on this.  Thanks..

Answer
Hi Nathan-

Go Army!  I'm an Army veteran, and I, too, found it difficult to follow the right path when I was in the service.  I think you'll find that there are plenty of Christians in the Army - you just haven't found them yet.  I would recommend that you start going to services and/or talk to your chaplain.  As for your friends, when they're doing something stupid that you don't think is right, just don't follow along.  Easier said than done, but asking for God's help in those situations should ease the problem.  Try to be the right example for your friends without being pushy about it.  Ultimately, if you don't compromise your morals, they will see that there is something different about you.

hope this helps,

blessings,
carl