Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 9/24/2010

Question
First of all, I'm really thankful God led me to this website. I really need someone to talk to and I am planning to talk to my youth leader but now's a pretty busy time for all of us. So, here it goes.

When I was still a nonbeliever, my parents were sort of lenient toward me. 3 months ago, I became a Christian. My mom, who is Catholic, seemed happy at first because of my change but now, I can see that she and my dad aren't exactly happy anymore. They became really strict and they always get annoyed, even mad, whenever I go to church.

I'm already 20 but here in the Philippines, even young adults are still treated like children.

Whenever I commit mistakes, they would mock me. Once, my mom called me a hypocrite. God knows how much I love them and God knows how much I have avoided to keep pain and bitterness in my heart.  I try to always bless my parents and release forgiveness toward them.

But this evening, before I left home to attend a training session in the church, both of them are real mad at me for no apparent reason. They are threatening to stop me from going to church.

I really want to work in the ministry and I love spending time in the church, for praise and worship, service, trainings, even just talking with my Christian friends. But my parents do not approve and they want me to stop. I simply cannot stop, God has become my life.

Now I'm planning to leave home and live on my own so that I could freely work for the ministry and even win more souls. But I want to know if it is God's plan or if I'm just carried away with my emotions. I don't know what to do.

My parents will get angry at me if I leave home, but if I do not, I don't know. All I know is that I'm glad to serve in the ministry. But I don't know what to do. Please help me. Thank you.

I don't know you personally but I speak blessings to you. Amen.  

Answer
Hi Marie,

Thanks for this great question.  I am so sorry for my late response.  I believe that it is time that you did make a stand as an adult.  Love and respect your parents, but stand your ground.

Luk 14:26  If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

It is possible that your very respectful life will win them eventually.  Do not make a move until you speak with your pastor, but this is my feeling here.  Yield to his leadership, though, he is the shepherd over you for your guidence and protection.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don