Get ready for a very honest post.
I said something out loud a few days ago that stopped me in my tracks. I have always known it, but I have never said it out loud.
Sometimes I don't do what I want to do because I am terrified of what my Christian friends' reaction will be.
While to some this may sound wise, to others (or most) it sounds superficial. We live in a world that tells us not to care what others think, to be true to "yourself,"and to do what makes you happy. But as Christians we are taught to seek Christian counsel, be true to God, and do what makes God happy. Sometimes as a Christian doing what makes God happy doesn't make you happy at all... but you know it's right.
Then there are the gray areas; the areas where you aren't sure of God's will, or when your friends disagree with your interpretation. This is when I get terrified because, in all honesty, I think some of my friends are "better" than me... or "better Christians" than me.
Yep, I said it. Let's stop this down.
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A "BETTER" PERSON OR A "BETTER CHRISTIAN!" We are all sinners, and God loves us all the same no matter what. So to compare myself to others is just ridiculous. Yet I do it all the time.
With that said, I love and respect my friends very much. And I value my Christian friends' advice. They are called to hold me accountable - to remind me of God's Word - or if necessary, to tell me when they think I am making a mistake. This is what crushes me, because I never want to disappoint them. I want to make everyone happy all the time...
I think you can see where this is going. I am focusing on people instead of the Lord!
At the end of my life it's only going to be me and God. The same rule applies for every decision I make... my choices are between me and God and no. one. else. Like Sara Groves sings, "When I stand before the Lord I'll be standing alone. This journey is my own. Still, I want man's advice, and I need man's approval. But this journey is my own."
Christians, listen to your friends. But listen to your heart as well. Jesus is in there. :)
3 comments:
I agree. When we can't be "ourselves" at church, when can we? Church in many places has turned into a place of judgment. There is a place for that, but I've noticed far less acceptance of shortcomings. As a result, no one is honest.
There's a great song I think that exemplifies this called "Staind Glass Masquerade".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRUJrjUGGfg
I love how you actually put that into words..... because I totally "get" it and know where you are coming from. Thanks SO much for the reminder and for being so true to yourself and your God. You amaze me!!!
today was my bible study day and the message was all that matters is that you are ready to meet the Lord, meaning that you are happy with the choices you have made when it is just you and Him.
also, who knows, maybe the "better Christian" really doesn't know. the only one who can judge is God.
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