My testimony isn’t anything flashy or exciting. I grew up in a Christian home. Going to church on Sunday was mandatory and prayer was essential to daily living. I can’t remember the first time I was told about Jesus because I’ve grown up with Him all my life. When I was about nine-years-old I was baptized like the rest of my Sunday School class.
You know your testimony, whether it’s similar to mine or totally different. But have you ever thought about why you’re a Christian? Where did your beliefs come from? It’s easy to say how you became a Christian, but it’s a lot more difficult to figure out why you prescribe to the Christian faith. Why DO you believe what you believe?
Showing Your Faith
I believe in Jesus for many reasons and my reasons are probably different than your reasons. It’s important to examine your faith because “faith by itself, if it isn’t accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17). Just saying you’re a Christian doesn’t make you one. Your faith needs to be conveyed by actions that show you are a true Christian.
For example, I can say that I am a huge Taylor Swift fan, but that doesn’t make me one. I have to actually listen to her music and “follow” her to really become a fan. Plenty of people call themselves fans to impress others, but only the true fans act upon their fandom. True Taylor Swift fans have an arsenal of reasons why she’s a talented singer in order to defend her when the time arises.
Christians are called to go into the world to be witnesses for Christ – to act upon our promise to follow Him. There will be many times where you’ll have to defend your faith and knowing why you’re a Christian will be essential to your defense. Knowing why you are a Christian will help you truly act on your faith so that it’s not lifeless.
Developing Your Faith
If you have a hard time understanding why you’re a Christian, try developing your faith further. It’s important to take ownership of your faith. How can you understand your beliefs if you don’t personally own them? Consider this list for ways to help you grow in your spiritual journey:
- Try to read the Bible a little every day. Reading the Bible will help you put God’s words into your heart so that you may have encouragement, knowledge and wisdom for the everyday challenges. It will help you both defend your faith and advise you in difficult circumstances.
- Buy a journal and make a point to use it regularly. Write down what God is currently doing in your life. There’s so much He does for you! Having this written down will help you see how much God cares for you and your life. A journal can help you recognize God’s presence in your life better and trust Him more.
- Pray and ask God to show you why it is you believe the Christian faith. Challenge yourself through prayer by asking Him to tell you what He thinks of you. Imagine what He’ll reveal to you! You’ll be surprised by God’s uplifting and positive view of you, His beloved. He doesn’t have negative or condescending thoughts to hold over your head, and He never will, no matter what you do in life!
- Ask others why they follow Jesus. Being in fellowship with others is important in developing your faith. By asking other people, you aren’t only strengthening your own faith, but you’re also helping others better understand their faith. Many great ideas come from group discussions. One person alone can’t achieve all thought.
Your faith is your own. It’s not your parents’ or your friends’ or your teachers’. Take ownership of it and make it stronger.
