Splitting my time between advertising and youth ministry, I can be accused of retouching the truth. That’s why the burger you get at the drive-thru doesn’t look anything like the one you see on TV and people in herpes commercials seem elated to have an incurable virus.

But that’s not the retouching that bugs me. It’s on Wednesday or Sunday nights at youth group.

During prayer time or other Jesus moments, I, like any other youth leader, will pull out all stops to get a kid to make a decision for Christ. Lots of time, I’ll focus on the special offers of Christianity, like the free ride to heaven or eternal fire insurance, crafting my altar call as carefully as placing sesame seeds on a toasted bun. I’ll create an irresistible picture of pearly gates and streets of gold that are absolutely free if you sign up before midnight tonight. Funny how I often lure kids with the same bling for which I slap their hands for coveting on earth.

While avoiding spending eternity in a hot spot is reason enough to believe, we need to be a bit more truthful in how we portray our faith to impressionable teens.

Start by letting them know that being a Christian will suck at times. It’s not easy saying “no” to sex or keg parties let alone throwing out the new Grand Theft Auto game one just purchased. If Jesus’ life wasn’t a cakewalk, theirs won’t be either.

Don’t expect “instant results.” Losing one’s sinful nature overnight is as likely as losing 10 pounds of ugly fat instantly. And the only way to do that is to cut off your head. The reality is it might take years for one to kick a bad habit or enjoy reading the Bible as much as reading text messages during Sunday’s sermon.

Let them know that Christianity is a lifelong race where Christ-like endurance — not crossing the finish line — is the prize. That’s because crossing the finish line means the race is over and you’re six feet under. Who wants to wait until she’s dead to enjoy her faith? Not me.

In my day job, there are laws for how much one can retouch reality. In youth ministry, you’re your own police. Paint an honest picture of what you like about your faith. That should be enough to make kids crave Christ.

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GINGER SINSABAUGH MACDONALD splits her time in Chicago between being a creative director in advertising and inner-city youth ministry. You can reach her at ginger@tastyfaith.com