Have you ever been around a non “church-going” friend and mentioned you can’t do something on a Sunday morning because you’d be at church? Ever notice the reaction on their face? It’s like you’ve just told them that you believe there is life on Mars or that you’ve just witnessed aliens forming crop circles in a nearby field. My point is that people often think that you’re from another planet because you are faithful to your religion—this is where I get beyond annoyed!
For me, my religion is what I “believe” in and my worship is what is best for me. I’d never try to push it onto anyone else and I’d never judge someone when they believe something different than me. Just because I practice a religion doesn’t mean that I’m not fun or can’t be the life of the party or furthermore am a “freak.” I truly hate all of these preconceived notions that people who claim to be “religious” are hypocrites or “holier than thou”—this isn’t always the case.
Yes, I consider myself to be a Christian. Yes, I do things (not intentionally) that I know God isn’t always proud of me for and yes, I know (again, not intentionally) that I sin daily. However, I know that God knows I’m not perfect, nor ever will be and even with this knowledge he still loves me unconditionally and helps me strive to be a better person. I don’t believe that God loves me less because I enjoy a bottle of wine after work some evenings or have a few margaritas with the girls on the weekend. I don’t feel that God loves me less because I saw a rated “R” movie last weekend at the cinema. I don’t think that God loves me less because my views on abortion and homosexuality aren’t exactly what the Bible condones. I don’t think God loves me less because I sometimes don’t get to my daily devotions or haven’t memorized a new Bible verse. I don’t think God loves me less because I like to go out every now and then and have a good time drinking and dancing with my friends. I don’t think God loves me less because my husband and I lived “in sin” before we were married. I don’t think God loves me less because I have non-Christian friends. I don’t think that God loves me less because I sometimes am just too tied to get out of bed and therefore miss church. I don’t think God loves me less because I have some hate in my heart (although, I really try not to). I don’t think God loves me less because some people I have yet to forgive. I do, however, KNOW that God loves me in spite of all of my imperfections and this makes me want to be more God like.
I believe that my love for God has made me the person I am today. My smile, my funny jokes, my entertaining personality, my smile, my kind heart (towards most), my work ethics, my family values, my life goals, my never ending pursuit for success, my brilliant thoughts, my crazy laugh, my everything is all because of my love for God. All of my perfections and imperfections are because of my constant never-ending love for Jesus and my many conversations with him daily are all in hope that he continues to make me a person he and everyone else loves to be around—imperfections and all.
So, do me a favor; next time you are around a friend that mentions something about religion, please don’t let the “are you kidding me” look be an image that comes across your face. They know that their religion isn’t for everyone and they aren’t trying to prove anything to you. They know they aren’t perfect, and never claim to be. However, they do know they are striving to be the best they can be and their religious views and beliefs help them to do that. Please, just accept them for all the qualities you love about them and know that their thoughts, views and opinions on the subject matter is what makes them who they are. Just as you have many different facets in your life that make you who you are, this is what makes them apart of who they are.
:o) Brit
Terrific. Well written and well said. Keep them coming. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Ben!!!
ReplyDeleteVery well written and I would have to agree, my wife is Cathlic and I am Baptist, quite different I might add, but overall we believe in the same core family values and have strong beliefs that we will be good parents by letting our kids live and learn from what they do right and wrong.
ReplyDeleteWe have both agreed to learn and understand both religions in the hopes to allow our kids to make up their own minds and not force it on them and tell them what they have to believe.
Brittany this is was a very well written and candid blog. I loved your perspective on the religion and I concur with your sentiments and the way you presented your thoughts is brilliant (although I truthfully would expect nothing less)! I absolutely love your writing style...you should take your talents to print! Excellent!!!!
ReplyDeleteOk, can't figure out why there's a pic of me & my ex in the above post which is why I tried to delete it Needless to say....
ReplyDeleteLove, Love, Love it! Well said!
Hopefully this works this time. =)
My minister gave me a wonderful Bible verse as I was preparing for my confirmation in 8th. grade. "Test everything, hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21) I did a lot of testing back then, and have remained a believer. I'm 40 now, and I'm amazed (actually shocked) at how many people aren't. Everyone that I grew up with went to church, all of my friends, everyone that I worked with, everyone in my life ... where did they all go?
ReplyDeleteJami-Thank you!!!!
ReplyDeleteAmy, I think a part of growing up is realizing that everything you new to be true in other people isn't always the case once you grow up. Unfortunatly, once you get older priorities shift and there is less room for God--very sad!