Growth as a Christian

[PelagiathePenit]

Within the last two years, I have definitely grown closer to God. Christian living is a lifelong journey. As much as sin is wrong, I am beginning to accept I will probably always sin. Sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming. I understand correction is needed, I do not always respond accordingly or gracefully. How are you honestly supposed to respond though? Some of the things Christianity expects is a little far-fetched. I get angry sometimes. I am not always appreciative. I do not always remember to pray. How I can start day by day following God without thinking of the 10000000 ways I have failed and will fail? I understand Christians are supposed to represent Christ and be good role models. I am not always at my best each day. I think I should always try, but it kind of annoys me I will probably always fall short in some way. Of course, there are people very happy to remind you so. Sometimes I get annoyed I am not growing fast enough. I do not understand everything. I do not agree with all of the church’s teaching. Am I evangelizing the right way? THERE ARE SO MANY OPINIONS OUT THERE. Then I think what if I die tomorrow. No body is perfect when they die. They just die. We do not have enough time on Earth to always be our perfect selves before death. I am sure those who died yesterday, had their plans, maybe even got into an argument, were upset or disappointed, then they died. It is not like people die in a perfect state. Things happen.

 

[Petaro]

Within the last two years, I have definitely grown closer to God. Christian living is a lifelong journey. As much as sin is wrong, I am beginning to accept I will probably always sin. Sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming. I understand correction is needed, I do not always respond accordingly or gracefully. How are you honestly supposed to respond though? Some of the things Christianity expects is a little far-fetched. I get angry sometimes. I am not always appreciative. I do not always remember to pray. How I can start day by day following God without thinking of the 10000000 ways I have failed and will fail? I understand Christians are supposed to represent Christ and be good role models. I am not always at my best each day. I think I should always try, but it kind of annoys me I will probably always fall short in some way. Of course, there are people very happy to remind you so. Sometimes I get annoyed I am not growing fast enough. I do not understand everything. I do not agree with all of the church’s teaching. Am I evangelizing the right way? THERE ARE SO MANY OPINIONS OUT THERE. Then I think what if I die tomorrow. No body is perfect when they die. They just die. We do not have enough time on Earth to always be our perfect selves before death. I am sure those who died yesterday, had their plans, maybe even got into an argument, were upset or disappointed, then they died. It is not like people die in a perfect state. Things happen.

You express the same quandary of living in a fallen world as besets all of us. However, I don’t think a loving Father wants us to go through life obsessing about how often we fail, but should be encouraged by His promises to those who continue to fail and get up again to finish the race. Thankfully we don’t know the hour of our death, otherwise we would live in worry and misery. However, we should try to live as if it were our last day. Don’t obsess about religion, see it more as a relationship with Jesus. As you fail parents; lovers; friends and they who are true always wait for your return, so Jesus is always there waiting for our return.

 

[Dorothy]

Be not overwhelmed. The Lord is ready, willing, and able to help us every step of the way. He loves us right where we are, and desires our sanctification.

Start by increasing your prayer life…whether it be meditating on the Passion of our Lord in the Rosary, or reading a few lines of scripture and applying it to yourself. Pray and you will begin to notice the difference in your attitude about various things.

The Lord knows it takes time, and time is His gift for us! He loves and encourages us in every step we take towards Him.