Recently, I’ve found myself in places where my faith feels graded and where my words and actions are placed against theology to find out their value and belonging. I’ve been surrounded by individuals who place an ordinary of religion that seems to have me seated right outside of the boundary– beneath them, an outsider.
To them, I’m not as biblically focused or as scripturally sound. My heart wasn’t being judged, nor were my morals or ethics. Instead, they analyzed and measured probably the most delicate pieces of my being and existence– they calculated and appraised my faith. And their data appeared to show a lady who could walk amongst them and be seated at the identical tables, but one which wasn’t as deserving of holding that seat—a lady who had faith but one which wasn’t as distinguished and as fruitful as theirs.
And I believed them– trusted them even. I used their opinions and requests to mold and shape my work, relationships, and perspectives. It felt unauthentic, but I did it anyway because I trusted their faith greater than mine. As someone who has all the time had a vulnerable and sometimes difficult relationship with faith, I didn’t feel qualified to doubt their motivation or their knowledge. I didn’t feel knowledgeable enough to query the truths of scripture that differed in viewpoint from ladies and men who definitely seemed more holy than myself.
What happens if you start feeling not quite Christian enough for the people and places you’ve climbed towards?
What happens when the religion that took you so long to simply accept and solidify is challenged by others who’re using it to find out your value and your glory?
You pause, and also you breathe.
Then, you search.
You read.
You find.
You trust– not others, but God.
You realize that faith isn’t like a company business model. You don’t must be alone at the highest– claiming victory and success within the variety of days you’ve opened your bible or the amount of sermons you’ve sat through. The goal isn’t in yourself but in others. Success in faith can only be done in community and collaboration– with God and with others.
No one’s faith is superior. There isn’t any standard of religion, no level to achieve. It doesn’t demand perfection; it simply demands belief and trust.
When you are feeling inadequate or flawed in your faith and Christianity, read these pieces of scripture, and remember:
“Therefore, there’s now no condemnation for individuals who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
When others make us feel less faithful or unworthy, God’s truths and guarantees don’t change. We are fully accepted and fully loved, all the time. Our value and value will not be and won’t ever be determined by others’ opinions or comparisons. Romans 8:1 reminds us that we’re forgiven, accepted for our flaws and authenticity, and loved abundantly. When others minimize our faith or attempt to define it in terms that lessen its weight against their very own, remember Christ’s sacrifices cover all— you and them, equally and unconditionally.
“For it’s by grace you will have been saved, through faith—and this just isn’t from yourselves, it’s the gift of God—not by works, in order that nobody can boast.” -Ephesians 2:8-9
Grace is on the market to everyone— no matter our shortcomings, no matter our past, or how our faith has been tested through the years. If others judge your faith, allow them to, but don’t allow them to create doubt of your value or your faithfulness. We shouldn’t be comparing our faith; we should always be collaborating with it. We needs to be creating latest faith, bolder faith, trusting faith, and never attempting to diminish the hard-fought faith that others hold. Comparisons and judgment don’t earn us higher rankings with the Lord.
“Come to me, all you who’re weary and burdened, and I gives you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I’m gentle and humble in heart, and you’ll find rest to your souls. For my yoke is straightforward and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Measuring as much as human standards can feel inconceivable. Lucky for us, we don’t need to. We aren’t called to be perfect or to prove our value through external expectations. We are called to trust in His grace and His unwavering love. Our faithfulness and Christianity will not be meant to be graded on outsider expectations and standards, for they will not be those offering peace and freedom. We find relief from the load of others’ expectations and judgments in God.
“I inform you that this man, moderately than the opposite, went home justified before God. For all those that exalt themselves will likely be humbled, and those that humble themselves will likely be exalted.” – Luke 18:9-14
If you are feeling weighed down by the critical eyes and opinions of those around you, watching as they compare their faith to yours, placing their spiritual knowledge above your individual, remember the one opinion that matters— His. Remember that the church and its members don’t get a say or a vote on who enters heaven or who will gain His glory. Please don’t waste your worry or value on those criticizing faith moderately than creating and strengthening it. He places humility and authenticity over pride and righteousness— all the time.
You cannot prevent others from critiquing your faithfulness or judging your level of Christianity. You can, nonetheless, keep your mind focused on what matters and keep your heart positioned for the Lord. Your value lies in Him, not them– all the time and ceaselessly. And greater than anything, remember: Your faithfulness speaks for itself, as does their judgment. True loyalty doesn’t need validation.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Delmaine Donson
