Jadenne Mayville
Faith
In a place where everyone seems holier than thou, it can feel like you’re falling behind in your faith. Everyone has their own internal battle whether it’s with their faith, body image, mental illness — quite frankly anything. In an environment where we are constantly trying to grow in our faith, no one is going to be one-hundred percent up front with themselves, much less a stranger or distant acquaintance.
No one is worthy of God no matter what we do. It is such a simple thing to forget, yet one of the most important things to remember. We are saved through the blood of Jesus Christ and not by our human attempts to be worthy. We can continue and will continue to live by the Bible accordingly. But just because someone seems further along or more mature in their faith doesn’t mean that they are more worthy of the love of Christ than you. None of us are worthy of him, but he will love us regardless and unconditionally.
Romans 3: 23-24: “ for all have sinned and all fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
With human nature it is easy to compare ourselves with people. It is also human nature to hide how we are really feeling and be vulnerable. It takes courage to share how you are feeling with people around you and alot more to put your struggles with your faith out there to be judged by the many. We ALL struggle with our faith, some people are just better at hiding it. So don’t feel like the odd one out when you walk into a room. Just remember we are all perfectly made in God’s image, but none of us are perfect.
There are some ways that you actively try to grow your relationship with God. You can read your bible more consistently. Not only that, you can also make sure to apply what you read in the bible to your everyday life. When you are living in and through Christ there is no possible way for you to “fall behind” in your faith.
I also suggest trying out Canterbury, which takes place every other Thursday. This would be a great opportunity for anyone who struggles with feeling completely alone in being imperfect in their faith. They usually share their testimonies. They talk about the imperfections in their life or their struggles and how they have grown closer to God through it. It’s just a great reminder that people have their own struggles, and will continue to struggle, even as we keep strengthening our faith.
Another great way to help get out of this mindset would be to join college Bible study. This would be a great way to have a more personal relationship with those who also struggle.You can talk to those around you and bond with those around you.
It’s also important to remember that you have your own path. While it’s good to find people you can relate to. You also need to find comfort in your own faith where you don’t need anyone else’s input on where you should be. There is such a worldy pressure to keep up with everyone around you, but at the end of the day we are where God put us. We will continue to grow in our faith at our own pace.
Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
