Our Faith In Christ

There have been many times in life when I needed to hear something that would make things better. Maybe it was a word of encouragement or an uplifting quote or something motivational. Rocky Balboa always had the best lines when it came to motivation and rightfully so as the Italian Stallion battled many giants that stood in his way but somehow, he always came out ahead and while Rocky is just a movie, we praise and worship a God that is much bigger than any problem and much stronger than any giant.

When I was younger, when I heard someone quote the Bible or use a Biblical principle, I did not always understand why. Sometimes, it was the last thing I wanted to hear because it seemed like the problem was much bigger than some good piece of advice. Like most others, I have heard people refer to is as fairytale advice. However, when I became a Christian by truly giving my life and heart to God, I finally realized that it was much more than a fairytale and much bigger than advice. What we get from our relationship with Christ outweighs anything that this Earth has to offer us and it worth than anything that we could ever buy from any psychic or fortuneteller. Truly, what God has to offer transcends anything and everything of this world.

This is coming from a person that has lived in three different parts of the square. One side is the nonbeliever who refutes there is a God or unsure of what to believe which is the part that I have never been in. However, I have been in the corner where I believed in God but did not take the relationship seriously or embrace a walk with Him; the corner where I was curious about God and began to study up on Him but still did not understand God and still not willing to embrace a complete walk with Him; and the corner I stand in now where I embrace my walk with Christ whether I understand completely or not. As I have learned, faith is the most important part of our walk in Christ as it is the only way we can please God: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

There are many people who think faith is something for weak minded people. Former wrestler and governor of Minnesota, Jesse “The Body” Ventura once made the following observation: “Organized religion is a sham and a crutch for weak-minded people who need strength in numbers. It tells people to go out and stick their noses in other people’s business. I live by the golden rule: Treat others as you’d want them to treat you. The religious right wants to tell people how to live.” Mr. Ventura, like every other American, is entitled to their opinion but a relationship with Christ has nothing to do with organized religion. It’s more than a crutch or a coping mechanism and is certainly not for the weak-minded as people like Mr. Ventura and other atheists are quick to point out any mistake a Christian makes regardless of how big or small.

We The People must stand on our faith regardless of what the outside world thinks of us. It is not always easy and truthfully, being strong in our faith will become the hardest thing to do at times as Christians are like any other group of people in that we want to be accepted and loved. Unfortunately, when a lot of people find out about our relationship with Christ, they will not want anything to do with us or only want us for what we give them. This is not everyone, of course, but we are told by Christ Himself that we will be persecuted by many: “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Despite the rejection and persecution that we may encounter, we must hold strong to our faith and continue our walk: “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:” (Colossians 2:6).

Some of the best testimonies have come from people who hit rock bottom. Everyone’s story is different and while we have different obstacles and challenges in our way, it’s our faith that gets us through it. Our faith is what helps us deal with all the problems and trouble in this life. Of course, just because we have Christ does not mean that everything will be smooth sailing. Just like anyone else, we are not exempt from trials and tribulations of this world and while Christ never says it will be easy, He did say it would be worth it: “Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40).