This week's memory verse:
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" -- Hebrews 11:6
Recently, a friend told me he read my blog. He didn't realize how "Christian" I was...and that I was "too deep" in my faith for him. I really care about this friend and appreciate his comments because it really made me think about several things.
First of all, I thought about his comment of how "Christian" I was. At first, I scolded myself because shouldn't people SEE from my actions that I am a devoted Christian? "They will know we are Christians by our love" right? Perhaps I am loving enough in my daily life...maybe things come out of my mouth that shouldn't. Do I look hypocritical? That is something that always bugged me about "other" Christians...they say one thing but act another. Do I do that? I really hope not! But it did make me stop and take a look at my daily behavior.
As I have said...I STRIVE to walk the talk and not just talk about it. This made me more aware if my actions, and that is a good thing. There is no such thing as a PERFECT CHRISTIAN....I know that. "We all sin and fall short of the glory of God'" Romans 3:23. I just want to make sure I am making good choices in the words I choose and the things I do so I can SHOW God's love.
And then, on the flip side, I wondered if the comment of how Christian I was could be considered a bad thing...do I put people off with my "goody goody" "sun porch" attitude? Do my actions make it hard for people who don't believe the things I do to relate to me? "Those kind of Christians" turn me off too...you know the ones...acting so righteous and holy all the time..."holier than thou." I don't want to be like that either!
This blog is a way for me to share my faith...what keeps me going every day. A way for me to communicate and share what's going on in my own spiritual life. Believe me, I KNOW I don't have NEAR to all the answers! There are spiritual questions I struggle with every day! I know I mess up on a daily basis! I want to better understand the basics of what I believe and be able to explain it to others.
Romans 6:23 states that death is what we EARN from the sins we commit. This means that according to God's justice...because of the wrongs we do, when we die, we SHOULD just die and have no eternal life with God. BUT...God didn't want want that for the humans that he created so he created a way out for us.
I have heard John 3:16 my whole life...we even see that written on signs in crowds at ball games. But do we really understand what it means? God loves us (the people he created) so much that he didn't want us to just die after our years here on earth. He came up with a plan to give us the opportunity to save ourselves from that death. To do this, he asked his son to leave heaven and come to earth. While here on earth, he taught us about WHO God is and how He works. He taught us about God's plan to save us. And then he suffered a humiliating, painful and sorrowful death here on earth to take the place of OUR death. When he rose from the dead, he taught us even more about God because he PROVED who he was and gave us HOPE that we don't have to suffer an eternal death any more! He taught us that if we have faith in God's plan...then we can live with him forever!
THAT is what I believe! I would rather believe in something amazing that may sound far-fetched to some, than to live my life without the peace and HOPE that this faith gives me!!! I want to share that faith with others...I want people I know and people I don't know to see my faith and maybe want it for themselves.
Revelations 3:20 says that God is knocking on our door. All we have to do is hear it and answer it and invite him in. He says he will stick around and have supper with us! That means he wants to come in and get personal with us!
Is God using me to knock on someone's door???? I don't know. But, just in case he is, I want to be willing to sound and look like a Christian (the best version of me possible) and to relate to people on their level. I want to be careful not to sound too deep or too "religious" and turn people off.
I am GLAD my friend said the things he did about me sounding so "Christian!" That statement woke me up a little bit and made me want to be more than a "Sunday morning Christian" and made me want to keep sharing how God is working in me!
Is God knocking on your door? If so, open the door and invite him in! He would love to sit down with you and get to know you as you get to know Him!
Is God using you to knock on someone else's door? If so, be open to the charge and be excited about being an instrument for God!
I have to admit Linda, I also didn't realize how steeped in faith you are. Of course I knew you went to church every weekend and that you were Christian in your beliefs, but I didn't realize how much religion guides your life.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's a bad thing at all that people don't realize this. I believe the way you are is a testament to the type of person you are. Never once have I ever had a negative thought about you. And never have you ever "pushed" your beliefs on me. I think you DO lead by example and that says more than if you were to go around, spouting scripture and being negative towards those who aren't as faithful as yourself.
I read your posts here, not because I'm as religious as you, but because you are a dear friend and I value your opinions. The fact that they are based on religion is an added bonus. I work most weekends and don't get to church very often anymore (my wife takes the kids every Sunday however!), so reading YOUR posts are my little bit of church every day! :-)
I am touched by your comments, Alan. While I have always had church in my liffe, but I admit I have not always been very involved. Going to church was a good thing to do...I did it, but it was a Sunday thing. It made menfeel good about myself and occasionally a sermon would touch me or a song would move me, bit it was definitely just one part of my busy life.
ReplyDeleteAbout 10 years ago, I started attending Rolling Plains church (a friend of mine invited me). There was a lot of activities for children, and Shelby loved it there! I then made connections with several people who really care for me. I became more involved in the music and kids programs and found so much love and support there...it became my second family...a home. And then I felt something pulling me to not just be involved in programs, but to learning more. I started a morning habit of daily "God time" as Shelby called it. I found that I now had a relationship with God. I didn't just go to him in times of trouble when needed help...but for everything. It isn't just a Sunday thing anymore.
I have many friends who don't believe at all...I have friends who are of other faiths...I don't believe it's my job to push my beliefs on them. What you said about the way I am made me smile because that is exactly my goal! That made me feel grateful that I am living my life the way God wants me to...others ARE noticing! I know I can't be perfect...I don't want to be! I still have a few drinks every now and then, I still lose my temper...I still find myself sucked into gossip from time to time...I still find myself making mistakes every day...and that's ok. I am a human, emotional, fun-loving woman who just happens to rely on God to get through every day.
I don't want you to think I have all the answers...but I loved your comment about reading these blog postings to get a little bit of church every day! Made me excited to continue!
Thank you for your comments and your continued friendship. I treasure it!