Are You Confessional Or Convictional?
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Are You Confessional Or Convictional?

Is Your Lifestyle a Testament of Your Beliefs?

54
Are You Confessional Or Convictional?
Pixabay

We all have our own beliefs and worldview, whether we be a Christian, Muslim, atheist, or cosmic humanist. When asked by strangers on the street what we believe, we tell them, "I am this", or "I am that". But do we really, honestly believe all the facets of our religion, or are we just saying that we do?

My whole life I have grown up a "Christian", however, it has been more in word than in deed. I went to a Christian school, went through the motions, but really never stopped to think what my beliefs really meant. It just seemed like it was an ingrained part of my life that I did not really have to give much thought towards, like breathing.

This changed my junior year of high school. I had a teacher who completely challenged all my previous notions about Christianity. He presented it in a fresh, new way that I had never viewed it as previously. I realized that being a Christian or follower of Jesus is so much more than simply going to church, reading your Bible, and praying before every meal.

It is a complete and utter change in lifestyle.

Do your actions match your words? Do their actions match their words? These are two questions I started to ask myself during my junior year. I considered myself a Christian, but did I actually have any idea what that meant and entailed? I quickly realized that the life I was living, the life that many of my peers were living, was not the life of a follower of Jesus. Sure, I considered myself a good person for the most part, but why? Was my life motivated by my own wants and desires, or for other's?

I quickly realized that I had two choices: I could either fully commit myself to believing this Jesus guy, or cut ties completely. I no longer wanted to live in the "in-between". The middle ground is a dangerous zone, but I see so many people living in it, lost in what is truth and what is lie.

You have probably heard the phrase, "being a Christian is a lifestyle." As cliche' as it may seem, it is entirely true. You cannot be a Christian at church, and then go home and live a separate life there. Yet, this is something I have seen countless "Christians" do. Christianity has become more of a symbol of status than a committed way of life. Many people go to church so that they "look like a good person", when in actuality, they rarely listen to any of what is being taught. They show up, go with the motions, and then sit down with friends for lunch and gossip about the other people in the church.

Is this healthy? Is this uplifting? Is this loving?

I am pretty sure we all know the answers to these questions.

So, are you confessional, or are you convictional? If you are a follower of Jesus, do you tell everyone you are a Christian, yet think all the religious mumbo-jumbo is a bunch of bologna? Or, do you say you are a Christian, and truly adhere to the teachings found within?

Is your life defined by love, peace, hope, patience, and kindness? Or is it a testament of a different lifestyle?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

98652
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments