I
write this post with a little bit of hesitation. It is hard to articulate what
I want to stay, but I hope there is some grace here, and that I can get the
words across. I have recently been going through some very big life changes. I
was diagnosed with a condition, and since have figured out how many things that
I always thought were just “me” are actually symptoms of the condition.
My
doctors did not give me a whole lot of help and options, but rather gave me an
option of medication that would treat the symptoms, not the condition. I wasn't sure that I was comfortable with that. Other people would tell me things that I
should maybe start doing or not doing. Someone else would tell me what their
cousin’s friends’ sister did. Many people had ideas about what to do and how to
do it. After prayer and many thoughts about other peoples’ ideas, I came to the
conclusion that I needed to do the research for myself. I needed to find out
what I needed, and what is best for ME, so I took to research. I dug, and researched,
and finally decided to make a large diet change. (We’re talking big . . . like
take all your favorite foods and never eat them again!)
It
was a decision that I knew was right and I felt good about! Through this
process, I couldn't help but think of the parallel between the physical and the
spiritual. I firmly believe that as things are in the physical, they are in the
spiritual. Please recognize that while this is a loose metaphor, it is there,
nonetheless.
Our
world in general, is very good at treating symptoms. Those outside of the
church can be very well-intentioned, but offer only things that treat the
symptoms of our spiritual struggle. We hear some preachers saying one thing,
and other teachers saying something else. We have friends with one belief
system, and TV personalities with another tried and true method on living well.
How does one’s faith survive?
While
I don’t want to underemphasize the Christian community, and a pastors’ role in
our faith and teaching us the word of God, I believe that there is not enough
emphasize on working out our own faith. Digging in and find what God is saying
to “ME.” The Bible has all the answers for my spiritual condition. It has all
the next steps and ways to heal and grow me into a better person. It shows me
how to rid myself of the symptoms of sin in my life. Only “me” sitting down and
reading the scripture for myself, and knowing myself, and where I am
spiritually, and applying the scripture to myself will allow me to become the
person I want to be. Listening to a pastor alone will not give me the fullness
of God’s truth. Following someone else’s faith journey step by step will not
necessarily take me deeper in my own personal relationship with God.
We,
as Christ Followers, need to know where God is leading us personally. Just as I
needed to evaluate what to do with my health for myself, and own the decisions
that I have made. I own my faith by doing the research into God’s word myself,
and making my faith a priority to me.
I
have been very blessed to have people come alongside me and understand my diet
and life changes, and walk it with me without trying to push their ideas on me.
These people are invaluable to me. I think of these people like church friends
and pastors in my spiritual life, the people to walk my faith with me as I do
it; not just telling me how and what to do.
Something
to think about? “Your word is a lamp for
my feet, and a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
Kourtnay
K.
No comments:
Post a Comment