“It’s okay to do this, my child – even if nobody else understands.”
Did you ever imagine that God would use these words as he speaks to you? Well, he does, and he always means them. You see, God knows that there are certain things that we do as Christians that many people do not understand. When we do these things, we appear weird, antisocial, and out of touch with reality. Thankfully, over time, I have discovered there are things I do as a Christian that God says are perfectly okay. Look at them below, and see if you can think of a few more!
- It’s okay to have different beliefs from everyone else
Do people keep asking you why you believe in Christ, yet your life doesn’t appear to be going as well as theirs? Well, that has happened to me several times over the years. I used to be very stressed about it until I read the verse below.
1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness [absurd and illogical] to those who are perishing and spiritually dead [because they reject it], but to us who are being saved [by God’s grace] it is [the manifestation of] the power of God.” (AMP)
In simple words, to someone who does not believe in Christ, the life of a Christian does not make sense, even though it makes perfect sense to you. Don’t be discouraged, therefore, if your beliefs are different from other people. Instead, win those around you over to the Lord’s side with your exemplary life.
- It’s okay to want to be alone so you can chat with God
Not everybody understands why you need to spend time with God every day, quietly meditating on his word, in his presence. Our fast-paced world is one that has activity going on all the time, and as such, getting quiet time with God is the result of a deliberate effort. The question is, if Jesus needed to get away from it all and spend time with God, don’t we need to follow his example, regardless of what those around us will say?
Luke 5:16 “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” (NLT)
That quiet chat with the Lord is crucial to your relationship with him. It is during those moments of solitude that he speaks to you, and you present your requests to him. Without that ‘alone’ time with God, your Christian faith cannot grow.
- It’s okay to have faith even when you can’t see immediate results
For those who are surrounded by people who belong to the ‘now’ generation, the virtues of patience and faith are frowned upon. Why wait on God when you can sort things out for yourself, at your own ‘faster’ pace?
Hebrews 11:1 “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (NLT)
Here’s the thing – when you trust in God, he is pleased with you. He may not choose to answer you immediately, but as you wait patiently, he gives you peace. Interestingly, when he finally does answer you, the timing of the answer is just right! The next time anyone asks you why you aren’t taking matters into your own hands, tell them you have handed the issue over to the expert!
- It’s okay to surrender yourself to God
“What? Give my life over to someone I have never seen? No way!” – These are words you must have repeatedly heard from your peers. Frankly speaking, I often find it hard to surrender myself entirely to God, and to let him have control over my life. When I do so, however, it’s the best feeling in the world, as I have nothing to worry about!
Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.” (NIV)
God says it’s okay to surrender your body to him, as an act of worship, in acknowledgment of all he has done for you. He loves it when we surrender ourselves to him, and leave him to take control of every aspect of our lives. Though this may be difficult to do at first, I assure you, it’s the best decision you will ever make!
Friends, let me conclude by saying it’s OKAY to believe in God, to live for him and to tell everyone you know about his love. Live your Christian life confidently, focusing on maintaining a right relationship with God.