changed my mind

how important it is for Christians to know how to live whole lives, holy lives.

naturally, too much favoritism poured into living a certain way can result in a legalistic mindset, but, i think that so little weight is put on us anymore, that lifestyle doesn't matter anymore. it's as though how we live, what we say, what we do isn't a problem as long as we openly confess, "i'm struggling with this or that," but then we keep saying, doing, and living however we want. not always, of course. but, i've registered this as a common thing among Believers.

it's good to be honest, and it's good to struggle, because if you ARE struggling with something, you will need an answer, a friend, a comfort, and be willing to accept advice from Scripture and godly people. no one would know you need help unless you talk about it.

that's how you CEASE struggling. however, if your favorite thing to do is complain about life, whine that God isn't close enough, go on rants that no one understands you and that nobody cares, and not accept assistance, then perhaps you are not really interested in finding God, going deeper, and conquering all your vices. you're not really looking for answers. or maybe you just don't like the answers you're getting.

i speak to myself as much as to anyone else.

walking in the Truth is not easy. it's not always a breezy stroll through a world of wonderful feelings. it's harder than that most of the time, and that's okay. struggles really are good, but only if you're actually fighting them, and not letting them steamroll your faith. there are some things i've never thought to doubt, but there are things i've been curious about, and want to find out why these things are so.

i've realized, though, that when questions about God arise - the basics like, "why does God send people to hell if He's so loving?" come out of brains and mouths because they haven't studied God. or they haven't trusted Him or found Him trustworthy. i've not questioned that aspect of Him, because i have been blessed enough to know Him closely, and i understand His motivations better than to ask that. the answer i would give is only going to sound mechanical to anyone who doesn't know Him closely, and might just bounce off a hardened heart if they're asking the question, anyway.

knowledge - and the regular study - of God is what causes one to live a holy life. because to live like He wants us to, we must know who He is, what He wants...and aren't we happier knowing "why" something is? it comes with knowing God, which leads to loving God.

the regular study and better knowledge is what i am currently after, and i want to put down some things i find out about God that help uncover who He is, because i have let my faith become frail with disuse.

xoxoxoxo