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 Entitles You To True Fellowship
Being a Christian and actively exercising my faith allowed me to learn my true calling and purpose.
It is a journey, not a destination, as cliché as it may sound. I've been granted peace in situations that should have shook me to my core. It has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. It has shown me the true meaning of grace as it was and is still given to me daily.
Whether you're a Christian or not, we aren't entitled to any good thing that comes our way. Yes, obedience and sacrifice allow us to enjoy the fruits of our labor much more, but we aren't entitled to any of it. We are simply blessed to experience it. It's true, life owes us nothing.
So who can you show a little more grace to? Can you show a little grace to your chatty coworker or neighbor that never stops talking? Did you ever consider that they have no one to talk to at home? Can you not judge your friend that has a new man every four months? Maybe she's avid about finding love because secretly she fears being alone and growing old by herself. Can you show a little grace to yourself?
Stop beating yourself up about your past mistakes. If you needed a sign, this is it.
Let this be the last second you rob yourself of happiness due to keeping yourself in bondage to your past. Life has so much to offer you and you have so much to offer others. No matter your background or beliefs, we're all struggling to live out our purpose. But each day, grace is what I've found that makes it a little easier. While none of us are entitled to grace or anything else, whatever we're blessed and graced with definitely makes life more bearable.
Featured image by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
