I've spent years reading about faith heroes such as Paul and Stephen. These men were power-houses for Jesus. Both were radiant lights for Christ and stood for His Name. Both were intensely persecuted.
I grew up in a church that frequently taught about missionaries in Sunday School. We heard about underground churches and mass persecution happening in countries around the world. Raised in a predominantly Christian area, there wasn't a lot of diversity. Where I grew up, kids in school asked "are you Lutheran or Catholic" because you were probably one of the two. (I was raised in a Christian home and attended an Evangelical Free Church, so neither! Haha, unique...). While various religions are on the rise in America, I think that the biggest rise in America's religious views would be the rise "whatever works for you is good for me" stance. Also, I've noticed a lot of people take more of a general spiritual label. That kinda thing. (I have many friends with this stance and know it comes from a desire for kindness and peace, i respect that; just giving a common example!) Society's moral compass keeps changing. When you're rooted in God's unchanging Truth, there's no room for changing standards set by cultural shifts or personal feelings. I've never felt more counter-cultural in my life. When I started reading the Bible at 15 and whole-heartedly committed myself to Christ, my whole life changed. I came back to school in the fall after a summer of spiritual transformation and felt so isolated in my faith. I suddenly had such passionate views about life, God's plan for me, His design for relationships, creation, right and wrong, etc. I felt very alone in my beliefs as I was debated with and questioned by many people...this season was great for honing my faith and seeking God's Word for answers. I went from a "good Christian kid" to an "on fire for God, determined to change the world, young lady." Everything changed that summer. I felt the wisdom of God pour over my hungry soul like a waterfall. He spoke to me daily as I spent hours reading the Bible and growing with Him. On a very real note - I became a bit judgmental, as many new on-fire Christians do. I didn't date, drink, party, etc. and I wrestled with the sinful lie that I was better than people who did. I think this is the first thing Satan will try and lure you into being when you start spending more time with God: Prideful. Because once you become judgmental and self-righteous, you're on a downward spiral. I've had great leaders, wise mentors, and challenges of my own that have kept me from falling down that path completely. Thank God for that! After one year of high school as a kind-of Christian and three years as an all-in Christian waiting for a deeper pool of Christian fellowship & growth, my first year of college was an absolute GIFT! I'd spent my senior year of high school changing majors every week & begging God to make it clear that I should go to a Christian school. (Lol at younger me, leaving SO much room for God to choose.) I just couldn't justify the cost of a private school, so I wearily committed to my "safe" local option, UND. I thought I was giving up all that God had for me. It was kind of scary. Before I even moved into my dorm, a popular sports figure came into Olive Garden with his mom and roommate. I had just met my husband, mother-in-law, and an usher in my wedding. By the Sunday of welcome weekend I had found a group of Christian friends and was shocked how easily it all happened. I ended up with the major I had declared all along, Music Education, despite fighting to commit to it in my mind until April of that year. Rocco changed my life spiritually, I made incredible friends, everything worked out better than I could've imagined in high school. College, even on a secular campus, ended up providing a great Spiritual bubble for me. I had friends of all types, but I faced less adversity than i had in high school and had great Spiritual support. Some seasons will be easier than others! And now I'm a college graduate. Floating through life. Navigating the world as a hockey wife, frequent mover, new "adult," and current Texas resident. It's really weird moving away from your hometown of 22 years (and not seeing everyone you know at Target, lol). This season of life is different. New surroundings and new growth. The world is changing, and I'm finding my way in it. I actually love being in new places and experiencing diversity. It challenges my beliefs and sharpens my mind. My husband is a man of faith, and together we cling to that faith. It draws us closer together and gives us a like-mindedness in so many areas of life. It's no secret that there are a lot of religious and political changes happening because of my generation. Outside of North Dakota in the 2000's, it's not a thing to ask "are you a Lutheran or Catholic?" Ha (Not like I ever really liked that, but you know what I mean.) Most people don't go to church. Most people don't rely on the Bible as their life guide. Many people may still identify as Christians/other religion, but not many are placing it as their #1 priority. That being said, it has never been more counter-cultural to be a Bible-yielding Christian than now. I'm sobered thinking of Christians being killed or tortured in other countries. I thank God to have been raised in a country with religious freedom. Legally, we have it. But the way mass society's ideals are headed, to be a Bible-following Christian is becoming more and more taboo. I'm not talking about the Christians who pridefully parade their "righteousness" around or hate others in their hearts. No one is perfectly humble, Christian or not, but I'm talking about the ones who are humbly seeking God, living out His Word in its entirety to the best of their ability. The way society's views are changing, any Bible believing Christian will be frowned upon. Our views can't match up with many of the popular views these days. Sadly, many compromise God's truth for lies. The Bible displays many instances of Satan deceiving people with something bad that seems good. First instance: Eve with the apple in the Garden of Eden. Satan's been at this for thousands of years. Several years ago I gave a significant amount of thought to the whole "abortion is acceptable in those few depressing instances" stance. God's Word has shown me concretely that it is not true, being that the circumstance doesn't change the act of murder being done. I truly thought it through, though. I consulted God's Word & truth. I've sought truth in many questions like that. With good intention, I just wanted to really understand. I'm not here to doubt any Christian's good intention. I believe the same Satan that deceived Eve in the garden is the same Satan that's confusing Christians all over the world. This was prophesied to happen. Often to caring people with good intentions. I don't doubt for a minute that there are loving, intelligent people of all political & religious views. We've all been given gifts and passions. Unique ways to serve those around us. Voices to shed light on important issues. The number one thing I feel passionate about lately is this: That well-meaning Christians won't compromise the Word of God, seeking approval of man. There are so many things I could just choose to blind my eyes to or condone, knowing that I would be met by an accepting majority of people, pumped that I was agreeing with them. But I constantly remind myself to seek God's approval before man's. I can love everyone around me in a meaningful way, even if we don't have the same beliefs. That's what being a true follower of Christ is all about. I know that the greatest joy comes in living by His Words and loving others in His Name. I was raised with certain religious beliefs. Later in life, I sought them out in Scripture to confirm or deny those beliefs. The truth is, none of my core beliefs about God, people, love, etc. have changed. Ever. That's because God never changes and the way He beautifully designed us doesn't either. I'm kind of afraid of making it big with anything because I don't want to ever get so caught up in position or the acceptance of man that I abandon God's Word or His plan for me. That being said, He is exploding my Spirit with growth these days. Sometimes I'll feel hopeless and on the verge of tears...only to write an incredible song in 45 minutes flat with exactly what I needed to hear from God. Sometimes I'll feel like I'm doing nothing with my life...only to be encouraged by the way my husband treats me with such grace and kindness. Sometimes I'll question my purpose...only to stumble upon the perfect sermon that sets my soul on FIRE. Sometimes it hits me that if I'm ever in a larger position of ministry, people I don't even know will hate me for my faith. But some already do. And that's how this fallen world is. It's nothing to be afraid of. Actually it inspires me. That's why I stand! My life goal is to be such a light to people that, even if they've been bitter about Christians in the past, they can't help but see that I genuinely care and appreciate them. Give them a fresh image of God. Give Him the best reputation I can. Often the things you are most afraid of are a part of the things God is calling you to. The whole point of being a Christian is to stand for Christ. When the Israelites repented before the Lord, they all stood to renew their commitment to Him - Taking a stand for the Lord to reign over their lives again. As believers, that's what we're called to do. The trouble with taking a stand is that you'll always face opposition. But if our God is for us, who can be against? Spoiler alert, pick God's team. He's your Father and Maker, and He always wins. So here I am, almost 5 years since I completed that crazy chapter of my life as an on-fire Christian trying to make it through high school. I honestly used to think that was the most adversity I would face? LOL.. Not trying to scare anyone, just kind of funny. College was really great and post-grad is off to an interestingly blessed start. Not going to say it's all been easy, but I've never EVER regretted my decision to fully devote my life to the Lord. Taking a stand hasn't and won't always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Hang in there, brothers and sisters! Many have gone before us. Now is the time to rise up!
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AuthorChristian Singer-Songwriter, Writer, Hockey Wife, & Fitness Fanatic. Nomad with North Dakota roots. Archives
January 2020
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