What does being a Christian mean to you? Do you try to live a Christian life in our materialistic, me-centered, gotta-have-it-now, instant gratification society and find it very difficult, even an almost impossibility?
In this Advent season, let us reflect on our Christian faith. How strong is your faith? Is it weak, mediocre, or strong? How bold are you to stand up to opposition in our society in the name of Jesus?
In this passage, Jesus challenges us to:
- try hard to live with out sinning
- be at peace with everyone
- grow in spiritual strength
Difficult? You bet!
How should we accomplish this? I believe we need to be in constant communication with God through prayer and surround ourselves with a community of Christian believers.
Personally, I was blessed to be surrounded with such believers throughout my life. In Jr. highschool, I took part in a small group study that focused on what it means to be a Christian and how to live it in our daily lives. In high school, I was surrounded by a strong church family and an active youth group that helped to serve our local community in positive Christian ways. When I went off to college, I became active in our local chapter of Campus Crusade and joined an on-campus Bible study group. Thanks to the support I found in these Christian friends, I always felt God was leading and guiding me throughout these years.
As I became an adult, and faced challenges within the work world, I always found comfort in knowing God was always there, to lead and me and guide me, according to what He had (and continues to have) planned for my life.
Later, as I was married and later became a parent, again I always sensed a peace from within because I know God was there.
As our children grow and find their ‘calling’, I can only hope and pray they will also seek God’s will for their lives, and listen to that ‘voice from within’ to lead and guide them on the straight and narrow path that God has planned for them.
What faith…
What courage…
May we stay strong in Christ – always looking to Him for our strength and guidance in this ever-challenging world in which we live.
Peace to you!
Diane Fornoff
Lighting the Candle of Hope
