Believing &/or Following?

“I’m a Believer.”
The phrase resonated in my soul.
I know [they] believe.
But believing is different than following.
They don’t go hand in hand.
& following carries us to church.

I have been inviting people I love to church for months.

“It’s too far.”
“It’s too early.”
“I’m going to watch on TV”
“I still tithe somewhere else.”
“You don’t have to go to church to be saved.”

I have been shot down every time. Every time there is a new reason. Every time it hurts. Every time I feel like I’m doing something wrong.

But I keep asking.
& I won’t stop.

The great commissioning call all Christians to disciple. Matthew 28:18-20 says, “Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” As a Christian, it’s my job to ask. As a Christian, it’s my job to keep trying. As a Christian, I have to have hope.

I know the ask has to feel annoying. I know the desire feels unheard. I know that decline stings just as much as it did last week. … And I know I’m certainly tired of trying.

But that is not my role. It’s not up to me to give into these fleshly feelings. It’s up to me to surrender them to God. I have to trust that he hears my prayers, and I have to believe that in His time they will be answered.

It’s a hard balance of caring about both a spiritual call and a fleshly comfort. I worry people will think I’m annoying or self-righteous or inconsiderate when really I just love them so deeply, I want to have them in this life and the next.

I worry the invite can be pestering instead of promising.

However, as I worry about all of these things, I have to realize these are feelings of the flesh. I am convicted to share the word. I am commissioned to keep my door open. I am called to be on fire for my God.

And at the end of the day… I care more about His feelings and perception of me than those of the world.

I know I’m not alone in this battle. I know I’m not alone in the yearning of having a loved ones saved and I know I’m not the only one trying to explain the difference to someone I care about between being a believer and being a follower.

So this is for anyone in the battle with me …

Keep the faith.
Trust His plan.
Be commissioned.
Follow your call.
Never stop asking.

Paul tells us the importance of church in Acts and Galatians.

Acts 2:42-44 shows of a generous and growing church in unity of faith.

Galatians 6:2 shows of a helpful and supportive church community.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

We are called to be in Fellowship. Fellowship stewards our Foundation.
See, we believe when we invite God into our hearts to be our Lord and savior. But once we believe we are called to follow His rules. Being surrounded with a church is one of those rules.

& we don’t get to pick and choose the rules.

As we dive deeper into Colossians at church and focus on having a faith so rooted in Christ that everything else falls into order under him. We have to lean on those roots and their strength as we start to grow our branches.

Our branches are exposed to the elements - they face storms and wind and even unwanted guests. But when we have a firm foundation and our roots are anchored on the rock of His Salvation… we can continue to ask.

We can believe and follow his Word courageously, because we know our foundation has strong roots in His promises.

If you’re in Charlottesville, I invite you to church. PM me and let’s make it a plan!

If you’re not in Charlottesville, I encourage you to find a church home. Surround yourself with fellowship and community to help strengthen your roots in God’s faithfulness so your branches can carry His strength and the strength of those around you.

God’s Love and Mine,

Christina