Good Question
I got this question posed to me recently by a young… on-fire christian and I figured it would be great if you answered it… I will post my answer afterward.
I am so depressed… why does it make a difference what people think? I am sick of caring, and I am sick of everyone acting like there is so much time…and making everything funny or light hearted. Like people that take being a christian seriously are so looked down on… I am sick of it! what do I do.
so what do we say to this?
I'm not sure what the exact question, or more precisely what is the context in which he is asking, 'why does it matter what people think?' If the context is about doing what you believe God is asking you to do, it does not matter, except that wisdom may encourage us to seek Godly counsel from people who walk deeply with Him before stepping into something new. If the context is about simply living as a Christian, we want to walk humbly in love to attract people to the nature of Jesus.
hey caleb,
Great points, the first few steps into a new stage of spiritual life is both terrifying and amazing… it is also very tiring! the strong desire that others experience such an experience is only natural… unfortunately so many are happy with the status quo and never experience the ongoing refreshing of the Holy Spirit. The only thing that truly affects others is a consistent authentic walk of love…
I was once very serious or should I say strern about my Christianity. So much so that I was of abolutely no use to God. I'm sure I didn't accurately share the love of Christ nor did I plant any viable seeds. I guess I was still trying to live under the Law and just didn't have the heart I now know the Lord is seeking. All rules and no grace; basically my life was vanity and making it as if Christ died in vain . I don't know how or when I changed, but I know I am no longer that man. I am new every morning in Christ and I know many prayers were involved in the change. I know He wants my Joy to be complete so I try to share that Joy. By God's grace, maybe someone will come to Christ when they see that a Christian can be happy, joyous, and free. But it is spiritual warfare out there, and I pray for that young Christian: they do matter to me, I don't want them to be sick or depressed, and I have faith that our Lord only wants good things for them. I may not have a good answer for that young Christian, but I can pray! I know prayer makes a diferrence and I know it changes me; I pray it does for the young one also.
Scott,
I am an extremely passionate lover of Christ and everyday I have to remember that those times when the fire burns hottest for me…those are the times I have to be conscious of others and give them grace…because in between those times that I am so passionate… I am the one that is complacent and self serving…I do love that as we mature in Christ we become better mentors and we gain the wisdom to strengthen others. It seems we get beat on the worst in the formative years when we are focusing on developing in righteousness and spiritually training.
Yep I was there too!… I spent a lot of time thinking that I was so serious and passionate and everyone else was just so complacent… I remember the frustration and confusion… it is all so tangible and painful it feels like just yesterday!… wait… it was just yesterday!
My Heart goes out to this person because I know what it's like to struggle with something. I see an extremely valuable lesson for this person as well…… and I am excited for them.
I could be wrong, but In my experience the struggle is all a part of the plan. In short, All that matters is where YOU are on your journey. If you are focused on others perceptions of your beliefs, maybe that means that you are in the infancy of your spiritual growth with many great changes to come (referencing the narcissitic needs of infants and relating to spirituality). Just as we physically change from infants to adults, we also change spiritually. While this may not be the answer they WANT to hear, it is advocating truth in a simple form.
There's never an easy answer to the question "What do I do" but there is a simple answer……. you need to keep evolving. God puts Godly people in our lives for a reason, and Jason I think you have a great opportunity to share your experiences with this person, and make a significant impact in their spiritual journey…….
Sarah
Sarah what an excellent answer! I think you hit all the topics very well… what great balance! I get the feeling you probably have a pretty significant impact on those that cross your path… and that makes me smile… really big!
this is kind of a drive by post as I run to lunch: LOVED ScottMcqueen's post and it brings up the question: WHY so sad and tired ?? Sometimes the circumstances of life and those around us just weigh on us….and that is 'natural' and to be expected. But sometimes we are tired because we've unknowingly traded in the yoke that is easy and the burden that is light for a yoke of our own (and maybe our church's) making. Make sure the yoke you are carrying is Christ's. make sure GRACE is in the middle and on the edges. Then check again. More later friends.
sorry It took so long to get a reply back.. been a little under the weather… Yep I love Scott! he has been a great encourager and a great fellow blogger! You are too right about trading yokes!
This is also a drive by- I know a wonderful man of God that teaches that depression usually comes from 1 of 3 roots- Helplessness, hopelessness, and darkness. Darkness usually involves spiritual attack and oppression. Helplessness usually has some kind of belief that we cannot change or get out of a difficulty that we are in. Hopelessness usually involves the belief that our circumstances or the people around us will not change or what we will do will make a difference. It takes some maturity to come a place to know that we need to be obedient to the Spirit no matter what and that our blessings and intimacy will come from the Lord no matter how other people respond. I do not want to play armchair counselor, but perhaps our young friend is too caught up in wanting to see 'results' in the people around him rather than trusting the Lord and enjoying intimacy and times of refreshing from Him.
off to work. God bless, everybody.
Caleb, very good stuff! Depression is a real killer in our society and those three key factors weigh on us all pretty heavy… especially if we do not turn that stuff over to GOD for handling… Wow… these drive-by comments are fine with me! thanks for taking the time!