Throughout my teenage years, my relationship with God was quite strong. I thought I had it all figured out for the most part. I read my daily devotions, went to church, prayed every day and night, and thought I was really on track.
The problem with most people believing they are on "track", is exactly that. You should not have to make sure you are on track with your Christianity. You should not look at your walk with God as a checklist, and that is exactly what I used to do.
I used to think posting about my devotions and my thoughts on Christianity would really help others. I used to think that going to church and being this "good Christian kid" put me on the right track with God. I believed all this to be true, when in reality, I was just going through the motions. Much like any other teenager I made my walk with God into a routine, not a relationship. Don't get me wrong, God loves for us to read His word and share it. However, He wants us to do so by showing His great love and forgiveness. He does not want us to become "Bible thumpers", He wants us to live by His word as an example for others. It's okay to post a Bible verse on Facebook or Twitter, but if you aren't living by it then what is the point?
In a few months, I will be twenty years old. I will be saying goodbye to the teenage years and hello to adulthood. Thankfully, since coming to college I have opened my mind to what Christianity is and to what God is really all about. I have learned that I was actually quite judgmental in high school. I have learned that I really wasn't living by all the verses I posted. I made mistakes in high school, and tucked them away. I figured that if others saw my mistakes they would think my love for God had lessened. I was utterly incorrect. God knows that we are not perfect and that we need His forgiveness daily. He knows our faults and He loves us regardless. So why shouldn't I live that way?
Instead of judging others for their sin, own up to yours and remind them that God is beautifully forgiving. Instead of posting that long Bible verse, live by it. Instead of going through the motions and making that checklist, ask God to open your mind, your heart, and your soul to the world. After you do this, God's love will be easier for you to pour out. You'll realize that simply loving others for who they are and showing what God's love looks like, is far more "Christian-like" than never missing a day of church.
Did you go to church this week? Did you pray this morning? Did you read your devotion last night? These are questions your Christian checklist might ask you. Toss that to the side my friends, and ask yourself these questions today instead. Did I own up to my mistakes and ask for forgiveness? Did I give without receiving anything in return? Did I show God's love through my actions? Did I love on those who only hate? Did I thank God for who He is? These sound more like questions being asked by someone on a walk with God.
When I was on track with God, I figured that meant I was on track only with other Christians. I found myself only praying with and for other Christians. I found myself talking about God only with other Christians. I found myself only giving to and loving on other Christians. I was doing all this, because I thought I should surround myself with other Christians to stay on track. Once again, I was wrong on every level. When I started walking with God, He let me in on a few things. He wants us to treat those different from us, exactly the same. He wants us to love and discuss His love to Christians and non-Christians the same. I believe He sent us here for that reason. So, forget that checklist and believe in the power of God's steadfast love.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?" -Matthew 5:43-48
