While looking over a couple of posts here at The Abundant Life I noticed some spelling and grammar errors and started to correct them. In the process of cleaning up my inconsistencies I had to actually read some of the posts that I put up here and started to get a little embarrassed. The reason for my embarrassment was the fact that it has been tough being a Christian, going to church, and having a relationship with God over the last few years. Not only was it was it tough but I was sharing my struggles with the world. Looking back I wonder if that was a good idea as people (especially Christians – sorry) can be really judgmental.
To combat this concern I have to separate what I think people would say about me from what I know God says about me.
While the last few years have been tough living the type of Christian life that I was taught I know that I have grown in God at the same time. Church and the Word of God are important and necessary in your Christian walk but so is having a one-on-one relationship with God. I know that in early in my Christianity I focused on Church and the Word while over the last few years the focus has been on relationship. At this point in my life I feel that I am learning to balance between the two.
The one thing that I have learned through this process is the love that a father has for his son. As I have seen my my kids grow up I can see that God see me in the same way. There is nothing that I would not do for my kids and I know that God is the same way. They may need a pow-pow from time-to-time to remind them not to do certain things but I only do that because I love them and want them to grow up respectable and safe. I know that God sees me in the same way. There are times that I want to go and do things that are not the best and he will guide me back to the right path.
It is tough enough to be a Christian but putting your victories and failures out their for the world to see makes it a little tougher. I do it though not because I want to try and show off but because I hope that if people see my struggles that turn into victories that it will encourage them to continue on in God.
One Comment
Dan, thanks for your honesty. I think it’s always tough sharing personal struggles to the masses. I tell my clients to find a small group of people you they can trust. Having a Christian Marriage is tough enough, but could get tougher quickly if too much is shared to too many people. On the contrary, I feel that “not sharing” is even worse. I like your point about “balance.” We need to find balance in sharing much with a few people that we know can both love us and remain confidential. I find too often that (men especially) keep so much inside themselves; whereas women seem to share with each other more freely. Thanks again for writing about tough subjects. God bless you and have a great Christmas!
In Him,
Chuck Sugar
Christian Counselor
http://www.ChuckSugar.com