Growing up in church…
I’m very shy so I never really had much to say in Sunday school. As I got older everyone had their own clicks just like in high school. It was very intimidating and awkward.
Being that I was “baptist” (like that somehow defines me) I always felt that if I followed a certain set of rules laid out by the Southern Baptist Convention, then everything would be alright.
I remember asking Jesus into my heart at a young age, but I never had a relationship with Him. I never acted like a Christ follower. In fact, people that knew me in high school would probably say they never knew I was a Christian. I was caught up in a messy web of depression, drinking, drugs, etc. If someone would have asked me a question about what baptists believe or what kind of rules you should follow to be a good Christian I could of told them. (or at least what I thought they were) If they would have asked me what it felt like to have a personal relationship with Jesus…I honestly would of had to say that I didn’t know. I acted much like a Pharisee. They knew everything about rules, but nothing about a relationship.
I have come to realize that having Christ as your Saviour isn’t about what denomination you are, what church you belong to, what you wear on Sunday, what hymns you sing (or don’t sing- gasp!)…it’s about a relationship. A sweet, loving relationship with the One who died on the cross to save us. It’s about loving Him and loving others. It’s about serving where you feel led to, not because you feel guilty or because you want recognition for it.
When you are truly living for Christ you will want to live right. Those “things” that you once did, you won’t want to do anymore. When you are living for Him you are free, like a weight has been lifted and you can finally breathe. When you stop feeling like you have to belong to a denomination or be religious and follow ritual…you can truly be free to live the life that God intended for you.
it’s so not about religion, it’s not about certain rules, and it’s not about ritual.
it’s about a relationship.
I’m so grateful that I realized that. Now I can live free and enjoy my life.
Alison…To my way of thinking, you expressed your thoughts beautifully! Our actions truly speak more than words. I think too many Christians get caught up with ‘denominational’ issues instead of relationship growth. If anyone asks me what “religion” I am, I just say “I’m a Christian”. Keep up the good work. I enjoyed your blog.
Love,
Pat
I can relate in so many ways. It’s amazing when God becomes real even after years of knowing about Him. I’m so happy you have chosed to be a part of the online journaling world. Your thoughts and heart will encourage many…. including myself!
Alison,
Always wondered what a blog was..Now I wonder if you have friends and family members that sleep. Two responses at 4:45 am!!! Maybe they need to start a blog on people with insomnia. Seriously…I was touched by your words. I can sure relate. It is almost like we grew up in the same house. Just like Aunt Pat…I always answer the “What religion” question the same way. Beleive me I get asked a lot by my friends and peer group. They recognize changes in me. I am a Christian. I totally understand the feeling you described. I no longer question why things happen and just trust that God will never give me more than I can handle. I still feel weird when I am “witnessing” to my friends but it is working. My good friend Andy went to Church by the Glades last week with his family and has started to research the childrens ministry for his girls. I think he is going again this week. I am so proud of the beautiful woman, mommy and wife you have become. You will always be my little “pooly” and I love you and your awesome family (even though John has poor tastes in some of the teams he roots for). I hope we can see each other soon. Try and bring your family down here some time to spend some time with us. That would be fun!!
Well said. I hope you find freedom in blogging.
Welcome to the blogging world! I loved reading your blog today…sounds like you are experiencing TRUE freedom in Christ…what an awesome feeling! Love you!
Amanda
Go girl! Are you sure that you are a blogging newbie?