5 ways I continue to grow in my faith:
1. Devotional
I like to start my day off with a devotional. Reading in the Word first thing before I get into the business of the day I set aside at least 20 minutes having quiet time whether that's in Scripture, devotional books, journaling, praying, listening to Christian music, or even just sitting still and not ocuupying myself with any distractions. Growing up I was raised in a Christian home and as well attended a Christian school , so naturally I was taught to read the Bible everyday. At a young age, I did as I was told so reading was more of a checklist than growing through the Word. Now that I'm older, I love learning new ways in which I can grow in my faith and the stories that have deeper meaning.Discipline is key to getting yourself to have quiet time especially waking up earlier than usual. For me I tell myself if Christ took 39 whips and 6 hours on the cross why can't I take 30 minutes to be with Him.
2. Community
We all know the saying, "You are what you eat". This is true for who you hang around with. Throughout high school, I was your average teenage girl who didn't listen to her parents and hung around people who were not good influences. I learned the hard way that I had evolved to become like them. I learned from my mistakes and was grateful that I experienced that community because without that environment I wouldn't have found the friends I have today.
One of my favorite verses is Psalm 139:23-24 that says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."I love this verse, because it reminds m of how God will show us our wrongs, but he will show us to a better path.
Some people find the need to fit in that you have to have a lot of friends. I thought that way too, but as I went to three different high schools, I came to learn that having several friends that weren't genuine was not the way to go. From those three high schools, to this day, I have two best friends who have been with me through everything. Real friends will be by your side in a heart beat, they will continue to ask how else they can serve you to be a better friend, they will tell you your strengths and weaknesses, they will be involved in your life even if you're apart, they will most of all journey with you through your walk with Christ.
The friends I have today are uplifting, genuine, and most of all a Christian community. Spend your time searching for those deep friendships that will not only grow each other but also grow more in Christ. Being in community with fellow believers, believe it or not, will change your life. It's hard sometimes not to be led astray by believers who think they have it all together and persuade you to think you're around the right people. Even though they are Christians doesn't mean they are a healthy crowd. Reaching out to them and loving them like Christ loves us is an easy way to show you're there for them, just be careful not to be sucked in.
3. Church/small group
I have found myself the older I get the more I love going to church. When I was younger, my family would go to church every Wednesday and Sunday. Just like reading the Bible was a checklist for me back then, so was church. I was too young to understand what was going on and therefore didn't enjoy it much. Now, I can't wait to fill myself with new teachings and being in community with fellow believers every Sunday. For me, small groups are a great way to dive more into your faith with fellow believers that also want to grow more in Christ. It's a good way for more positive feedback and minds to understand different ways of teachings.
4. You against the world
The world has a lot to offer, and God wants us to use what He gave to us wisely. It's easy to follow along with the crowd. Popular fads such as clothing, tv, social media, celebrities are just a few ways that we convert ourselves to go with the crowd. Remember who you are in Christ, and fight off the evil one.
5. Day to Day
How can you continuously live your life following Christ even through the business of the day? I first answered the question myself, then interviewed 3 others to answer this question.
Me: Every morning I remind myself how blessed I am and as my grandfather would say "celebrate the temporary." I am reminded that I am a daughter of Christ, and that I am no longer a slave to sin/fear. I tell myself that I have a God who loves me through the good and bad times. Living on this earth I need to be a steward of what I have. Everything happens for a reason. I constantly love seeing how He shows up in my life even through the little things. Most of all, I remember all that He has sacrificed for me so that I want to give back to Him all that I can. Everything on this earth is temporary.
Interviewer 1: "There are so many challenges that come from the world around you that tempt you in all areas in your walk with Christ! It is especially hard with the crazy busy schedules everyone has. I have found that my relationship with Jesus is best when I am spending time in His word daily (doesn't have to be a long time) and also when I am surrounding myself with those who love the Lord just as much as I do! Both of these things help me make daily decisions that Christ would want me to make because my influences are reflecting Him. "
Interviewer 2: "You have to make a priority to make time with it. Even though you're busy and even though you have 10,000 other things to do, you have to trust God enough to know that if you just sacrifice time out of your day to read or pray or spend time with him, the other things will just follow seamlessly. He won't let you down and you will never regret a step you take for the Lord. It's worth it. "
Interviewer 3:" My morning starts with time with Jesus most days. Immediately I am reminded of His faithfulness in pursuing me even though I fail at times to pursue Him. As a result of being with Him first, truly in the busyness of the day there is a constant whisper to my heart, "I am with you, I have not forgotten you, I will never give up on you."
