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Question about parents forcing their children to go to church?
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Hi, I'm a 16 year old girl whose mother just loves to force her to go to church at least once or twice a week. I've been a Christian for many years now and its not the fact that I don't believe the message or find it boring so much, I'm not exactly sure what it is. Being someone my age its hard to find a message that actually relates to me, that I can actually keep with me when I leave the church. Usually I can always find something, but I always feel like I don't learn very much there. She also used to make me go to a Youth Group once a week until she finally got it that the other teens are so immature its almost impossible to focus on the message, if you're even able to hear it. I love my church and have been attending it for many years, but I feel each time she TELLS me that I AM or HAVE to go to church and thats all there is to it; I get so angry and I feel so bitter during church it just keeps pushing me away. It's too hard to focus on church when you're already so upset. She tells me I should WANT to go to church, and I do! But not when she says I MUST. I believe I should have that choice, and she never lets me. I do my devotions every day and I do try to make it to church once a week (with work and school it gets difficult) but that never seems enough for her. She wants to take it upon herself to get me closer to God or something and I am extremely offended. It is my own PERSONAL walk with God. Not my mom pushing my down that walk. Every time a guest comes over she tries to shove Christianity down their throats! (She once forced my friend to stay one night and watch 3 full length Christian movies knowing full well she did not want to continue after agreeing to see the first) I keep trying to tell her that only makes them more annoyed with the topic and less open. I understand her want to witness to people but she doesn't understand that that is not the way to go about it. If she really believes I need "help" or something, why can't she just pray for me and not FORCE me, which only makes my teenage rebellion rage. Can anyone tell me what I can do to sit her down and talk to her in a way so she can understand how forcing me only pushes me farther away? Thank you.
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hmmm, this is a tricky one cause i'm not sure what it is you really want. It seems that your mother is trying to get you into the habit of going to church because your almost a adult and your gonna need the wisdom of the bible to go out into the world. You would sit down and tell her how you feel about this(nicely) and maybe the two lf you can compromise. maybe you can set up a bible study of your own with close friends. Also me as a young girl going to bible study for the first time. The kids who where there seemed extremly uncool and childish, but i'm willing to bet some of them feel the same as you. Over all i think your mother wants whats best for you. It pretty normal at your age to want to make your own choices and gain indepedence and trust me your chance is right aroud the corner. I hope i have help a little
I belive your mother is very scared you will leave church and God. because the devil knows how to work, first you stop going one day then another before you know it you never have time for God but you have time for everything else,, that's why Jesus teache's us in Mathew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. That's what alot of people fail to do put God in first place , Put him before your school bedore your Job, and he's going to bless you. and as far as your mother you should be very very very proud and thankfull you have a christain mother who's obsessed with God she worries for you and your salvation, and the bible say's salvation is taken by FORCE!! so its not an easy Road, but read Ephesians 6.4
We ARE commanded to meet together (Hebrews 10:25). I understand perfectly how you feel, I've been in the exact same situation before. If you are going to go anyway though, you simply must ignore the fact that your mom is "making" you. Remember that if you are going of your own free will, she really ISN'T making you. Though it can be annoying, you might think of it as nothing more than a well intentioned reminder.
If, however, you are not happy with your church, you might discuss that with your mother and ask if you can visit some other local churches. The sad condition of our churches today, in America, has provoked many to search for something more. Now, understand me, I DO NOT want you to become a church hopper. You DO NOT go to church for YOU, because you like the music or your boyfriend goes there or they're saying what you want to hear. Find a church that teaches the truth, that has ample Christian fellowship for you, and that will not impede worship. Remember that it's about your walk with God and you serving Him.
I know it can be difficult, but some problems can only be faced head on. Remember that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philipians 4:13), including overcome your urge to rebel. Pray about it and do what is right, no matter what.
God bless you.