Throwin’ in the Towel

Ever feel like quitting the Christian faith?  Ever feel like giving up going to church?  Ever feel like throwing in the towel when it comes to religion?  There are times when we go through spells where it feels like being a Christian simply takes too much effort. Especially in today’s culture where so many of the basic doctrines of Christianity are not politically correct.  We’re continually being criticized for our belief’s. We’re old fashioned. Christianity is no longer relevant to our Western way of thinking.  It’s as if we’re constantly swimming upstream in our efforts to marry our faith and our lifestyle, trying to figure it all out and make it work for us.  Before we know it, we get tired of trying. It’s really much easier to drop out of the race altogether. Do you ever feel like this?

There are times when I do.   Not that I want to quit being a Christian, but there are times when I’m conflicted about how to live it out.  What’s right?  What’s wrong?  Sometimes it seems easier to withdraw into my own little world and to do my own thing – not worry about trying to please God or anyone else.  As long as I don’t hurt anyone, what’s the harm in doing this?

“Hold on there sister,” I have to tell myself.  This is a road you do NOT want to do down.  Turning away from God is turning away from life itself.  No matter how hard it gets, turning AWAY from God is definitely turning in the wrong direction.  When I feel like this I have to tell myself to turn TOWARDS God.

“And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his son and our Master Jesus.  He will never give up on you. Never forget that.”  (1 Corinthians 1:8,9  The Message)

What about you?  What do you do when you feel like throwing in the towel of your faith?