Thinking, that's all.

Contrary to what the title of this blog implies, there is no such thing as a comfortable Christian. Now, before you roll your eyes and close out of this blog thinking I’m going to preach to you on a soap box about how everyone needs to start throwing Bibles at random people on the street, hear me out.

I struggle so much. I struggle in my relationship with my family, as I try to be the best daughter and sister I possibly can be. I struggle in my friendships, as I have the tendancy to forget to close my mouth and just listen. I struggle with myself, as I am most definitely my own worst enemy. And finally, I struggle in my relationship with God, as I feel like I am constantly trying to win His heart by being what a “good” Christian should be. Out of all of these relationships I worry and stress over though, I realize only one will fix the rest. And that’s my relationship with God.

You see, it’s not about abstaining from sex, or drinking, or drugs, or cussing, or greed, or whatever else everyone is using as a scale of how “good” of a person they are. Sure, those things are important too, and I’ll be the first to say it. In fact, I can guarantee you I will write a blog about one of them in the near future, but there is something far more important, and that is who you are. It’s how you respond when your best friend calls you crying because she doesn’t love herself, it’s what you do when you see someone in need, it’s the lightness of heart you show to those who are lost in their own darkness, and it’s how you constantly chase after a relalationship with God and don’t give up. That says everything. That reveals so much more than what your mouth can say.

So don’t be a comfortable Christian. Take a stand and go out of your comfort zone. Tonight I received a message that shook me inside. It reminded me of who God has been calling me to be since I gave my life over to him, and that I can make a difference right now. I can make an impact on someone just they way I am. I genuinely believe it was a gentle reminder from God telling me to not settle into the norm. Don’t put on a show so you can appear holy, that’s not what being a Christian is about. Be active. Be bold. Be humble. Speak your mind. Show kindess. Because honestly, there’s a problem if people only know your a Christian by your Facebook.

‘Til next time, “Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use words.”

Alright, so earlier my friend posted this status about straight edge people. I’ve been thinking about it all afternoon ever since I first read it, so naturally, I decided to blog about it. For anyone who doesn’t know what being straight edge entails, it pretty much just means that person has decided to abstain from the use of drugs and alcohol. Let me say first of all that I personally do not drink, smoke, do drugs, or believe in having sex before marriage. Some of these choices are based on my religious beliefs, and some of these are just personal decisions that I have made in the past couple years. Anyways, I’m gonna clarify a few points that need to be made.

So, although I agree with the lifestyle of straight edge people, I do not believe that gives them the right to think of themselves as better than anyone else. But to say that this is the reason you hate straight edge people, because they are self righteous, is too broad of an assertion to make. You’re taking a certain type of people and sticking a stereotype on them. Taking pride in your beliefs is something that should not be condemned. Celebrating being drug and alcohol free is no different than celebrating your faith in Jesus Christ. Which brings me to the next thought that has been bothering me.

Nobody is good. Everyone does bad things, or sins, and cannot categorize the level of how bad it may be in the eyes of others or God. For example, if you say you are better than someone else because you do not have sex before marriage, but you go around lying and stealing, you are still wrong. Or vice versa. And just for the record, being straight edge and being Christian are two entirely different things; they are not related in any way. Therefore, don’t criticize others for their choices. Instead, analyze yours and make sure that you are doing what’s right based on your religious or personal beliefs. There’s no need to look at others condescendingly because they do or don’t party, do or don’t drink, do or don’t get high. No one will ever change their mind about something if you tell them why they are wrong and you are right. If you want someone to see your side, you have to inspire them by your words and actions. 

‘Til next time, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7