Sharing My Faith

In blogging about reading The Bible in 90 Days, I realize I have a hard time sharing my faith, especially in such a public way.  I had a really hard time hitting publish on my last post on the subject.  Why?  Fear that I would offend or alienate someone.

I know we are not all going to agree on all topics, and especially not on religion.  I was taught that politics and religion were personal topics and not ones that we necessarily discussed in passing conversation.   

It is easy to discuss religion with my church friends.  We are all starting from a common place.  It is harder to put my beliefs out for the masses.  Yeah, I know only a handful of people read Mayhem Mania, but still its out there for anyone to see.  Kind of the equivalent of wearing a "Christian and Proud" T-shirt or something.

I've seen alienating religion, I want no part of it.  I've also seen, "pat yourself on the back for showing up" religion, I want no part of it, either.  So where does that leave me?  Somewhere in the middle, where we are called to strive to be the best Christians we can be, to search for God's will in our lives, and continue to grow in our relationship with God.

I believe that God is real.  I believe in Jesus Christ.  I believe He is my savior.  I believe without Him I am nothing.  I believe that God has a purpose for my life.  I believe He is involved in my life daily.  I believe that God is merciful and full of grace.  I believe that we all mess up.  We are not perfect.  We are not deserving of God.  But He chooses us, anyway.  Loves us, anyway.  Protects us, anyway.  As long as we ask Him to do so. Just because I believe these things does not mean I assume everyone else believes as I do. 

If our beleifs differ, I'm not going to try to change your mind.  I'm not going to tell you your wrong.  I'm not going to bring up my beliefs in every conversation we have.  I'm not going to defriend you on Facebook. 

I am going to talk about how God works in my life when it naturally comes up in conversation.  I am going to pray for you when things aren't going your way.  I am going to happily debate religious topics with you if you are interested.  I am going to admit I don't have all the answers.  I am going to continue to blog about my faith. 

My beliefs are my own.  If you don't share them, that is your personal choice.  I'm OK with that.  I hope that my faith in God will not keep you from reading Mayhem Mania or hanging out with me in real life.  But if it does, I'll be OK with that, too.

Jenn