“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation God will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
As we grow up, we generally look first to our families, than perhaps to our friends for spiritual guidance. Some get locked into the beliefs they are given, while others rebel, seeking opposite paths. There are merely two extremes, most people are more likely to fall somewhere between these two paths. That said, religion can be a very touchy subject for many people. And, unfortunately, some family or friends simply cannot tolerate any ideas that differ from their own paths. That doesn’t make their religious identities wrong, yet it doesn’t make them right either. Religion, spirituality, whatever we wish to call it, it is very personal.
Not Alone
The reality is that at some point, everyone goes through their own personal faith crisis. It feels as though you are alone, as if God has left or abandoned you. You have questions, but no one has the answers. It just feels overwhelming. Please know that you are not alone, and that your feelings, even fears, are perfectly normal.
While many rush out looking for answers, and many try to stop people from seeking those answers, I promise that I will not try to stop you. I am, however, going to ask you to slow down for just a moment. There is nothing wrong with a quest for answers. First though, lets take a breath and look for the questions.
Finding Our Own Truth
As we look at these questions, we may see things that seem as great truths to some, yet great blasphemies to others. Our families and friend ideals must be respected at all times, simply because they are our families, they are human beings and they deserving our understanding and respect.
At the same time, we must be true to ourselves and our soul’s needs as our understanding and relationship with God grows. This is the double edge sword, the fine line we walk. Yet if we are to obey the great commandment to love God and love our neighbors (yes, our families and friends are our neighbors) then this must be done if we truly desire to find peace and happiness.
Our True Selves
Personally, I do not believe that we are here to become something we were not. We are here to become what we truly are. Please keep this in mind as we begin this journey together. As you grow, I grow, and I grow, you grow. In this way we are one in Christ with all those around us.
By helping others grow, we ourselves reveal who this “true self” is as we grow in the Grace of Christ. Those that do not know Jesus can still grow in Him, as when the time comes, every knee shall bow and tongue confess that He is the Christ. At that time, those that have always been His will know Him, regardless of our different Earthly religions.
