Just a heads up – if the title didn’t give it away, I’m about to talk very openly about my faith. I sometimes receive criticism for doing so, so if this is something that makes you uncomfortable in any way, I hope you can read it with an open mind. My faith is the most important thing in my life, so I feel it important to address on my blog. If you have any questions I’d love for you to email me! gracie(at)girlmeetslife(dot).com.

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The story of how I became a Christian is a long one. A lifelong one, actually.

To break it down, I grew up in a Christian home by two parents who raised me with strong Biblical principles – but more importantly with an unconditional love. I think that’s how I first realized what the love of God is like.

I first got “saved” when I was about 5 years old at a church puppet show. Then I got “re-saved” at age 13 at a youth group event. I actually do really believe my decision at 5 years old was fully conscious and genuine, but at 13…well, I guess I wanted to make sure.

From then through all of high school, college, and a few years beyond, I did Christianity. And, I must say I think I did it pretty well. I had my fair share of life experiences, but never fully lost my way or questioned my belief in God.

 

I went to church every Sunday.

I spoke Christianese.

I often said I’d pray about decisions, waiting for God to magically give me all the answers I need.

I didn’t do any of the “big” sins.

I defined myself as a Christian in a similar way I define my profession, political affiliation, etc.

 

 

I WAS a Christian. I had given my life to Christ and know for a fact that I was His. But within the past few years, I’ve finally learned what it meant to make Him mine.

Someone once told me that you can be as close to God as you want to be. That really changed how I view my relationship with Him. I could have continued “doing” the Christianity I was living for so many years. It was safe, comfortable, and didn’t challenge me.

But it also didn’t fulfill me. It didn’t give me the intimate relationship, overwhelming peace, joy, favor, and incomprehensible grace and love that fully surrendering to God provides.

I used to think that wanting more of God in my life just seemed too difficult. How could I ever measure up to what that required of me? But the irony is that surrendering my life to God and asking for more of Him was the most freeing thing in the world.

So that’s why I don’t just do Christianity anymore.

 

I don’t just go to church on Sunday, I’m a part of my church.

I don’t just say I’ll pray about decisions, I ask God. I partner with God.

I realize that my “small”/secret sins are just as bad as the “big” ones, and am constantly seeking sanctification.

I still define myself as a Christian, but now as a daughter of the King and Creator of the Universe.

Oh, and I still speak Christianese. It comes with the territory

 

I’m writing this post because I’ve learned firsthand how easy it is to get caught up in Christian complacency - to feel safe with the lifestyle aspect of it. But when God created us to be co-heirs with Him in Heaven, I’m pretty sure He didn’t intend for us to just feel “safe” while here on earth.

There’s no way I could ever repay God for the gift of eternity, but I can at least show Him that I’ll all in until then.

Update: I wrote this post on Saturday night, and the next day Andi Andrew’s message “Relentless Love” was so in line with it. Check out the podcast now!