In my early and mid-twenties, I thought that if I did enough good deeds and abstained from activities that took my mind off of my faith and purpose, that I would be rewarded with everything that I desired. That is what the bible says, right?
Well, as I'm learning, not exactly.
Reading partial scripture and focusing on verses that aligned with what I wanted is what I did for years. It wasn't until I became intentional about self-searching that I found out I had an entitled mindset.
Believing in God doesn't mean that all of the pain in your life will magically dissolve, or that you will never encounter hardship. Having a spiritual relationship means that you'll have enough faith to sustain you in the storm. Here are a few common misconceptions about being a Christian that I'd like to clear up for the whole class:
Being A Christian Doesn't Mean You're Entitled to the Relationship
Sorry to break it to you, but being a Christian doesn't mean you'll always get the relationship. Oh, how I thought this as well. You can read every self-help book, abstain from sexual activity, take all the relationship advice you want, and serve on every single's ministry at your church, but it doesn't mean you'll get the relationship.
Have you ever found yourself wondering, "How did she snag a husband? And a good one at that? Here I am going to church two times a week, volunteering, turning down random men that mean me no good, yet I'm still single. I don't get it."
If we're being honest with ourselves, most of us who are over 25 and still single with no prospects in sight have said something of the sort. We're quick to want a Boas (Book of Ruth in The Bible). In other words, we're quick to want the product of a good man. Yet, we have no clue of the lifestyle of Boas prior to him being the man that Ruth desired. We only see the product of what his struggles and then victory resulted in.
We all have a past that isn't perfect. Remember the manufacturing of a product is a process, and it doesn't mean that after it is complete that it is without flaws.
No man and no woman is without flaw.
You may not struggle with sexual temptation, but you may struggle with gossiping. You may not struggle with gossiping, but you may struggle with pride. Many Christians are confused in believing that your walk with God guarantees you a relationship, job, or opportunity over anyone else.
Featured image by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
