Growing up in the Bible Belt, it was only natural for me to grow up in the church. As a child, I did not attend church very often. My parents wanted it to be a choice. Once I reached middle school, I began going to youth group on a regular basis at a new church. This was the first time I had ever attended a bible study or anything of that sort...needless to say, I was shocked. Many of the kids my age in there knew so much more about the Bible than I did, I honestly felt like a fish out of water.
Although most of these other kids had been going to church their whole lives, I was new to the whole church thing. Sure, I grew up with Christian values like treating others as you want to be treated, showing respect for your elders, and using ma'am, sir, please, and thank you. I, of course, believed in God and said my nightly prayers. I knew the real reason we celebrate Christmas is because Jesus Christ was born. Easter was a time of happiness because Jesus rose from the grave, but I didn't really understand as a child exactly what it meant. Going into such a different setting, I was shocked and never spoke much in Sunday School or youth group, because I feared I would give the "wrong" answer.
Looking back at it now, I realize that even to this day, I sometimes become apprehensive when surrounded by other followers of Christ, which is the polar opposite of what should happen. Throughout the past year, I have noticed this and become more vocal about my beliefs, and not worrying about giving a "wrong" answer. I am reminded that I need to rely on this verse found in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come".
We are all new people once we accept Christ into our lives, we are all equal. It doesn't matter if someone was saved a year ago or ten years ago, God loves us all the same. This is miraculous to me, because no matter when you met God or the sins you have done, He still loves you.
Every day should be a journey to knowing God better. Everyone's journey looks different because we all begin in various spots, but everyone's journey should have the same goal: to learn more about God. So, don't be scared to say something in a Church setting or answer a question. Trust me, there is no dumb answer or question.
Romans 5: 8-9: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!"
