Redefining Perfection
I always grew up thinking that to be a Christian it was all or nothing. You either had to be 100% devoted or not a Christian at all. I followed what I thought was the “perfect” image of being a Christian. I studied the Bible like it was the back of my hand, I attended Sunday school every week and was in all of the Christmas pageants. To me at that time, doing the most was being a Christian and serving God’s purpose for me.
I continued this routine up until I was in high school when I adapted a crazy soccer schedule and found myself growing distant from God. I fell into a new routine of not going to church every week and not reading my Bible because I either wanted to catch up on sleep or had to do my homework for class. There was an emptiness in me that wasn’t being fulfilled and that was because Jesus wasn’t in my life anymore.
When it came time to decide where to attend college and choosing UW-Madison, the last thing I thought of was defining the school as a Christian community. However, after joining Cru, a Christian organization on campus, I have never felt a stronger connection with God. I genuinely look forward to Thursday nights because I get to go and worship Jesus and study the Bible in my Bible study.
After finding God in college again, I’ve come to realize it isn’t about being a “perfect” Christian, because God loves you for who you are, and I’ve learned to fully embrace it. If it weren’t for the rocky road I’ve experienced, I wouldn’t be in the intimate relationship I’m embarking on now. I truly feel God’s love and couldn’t be happier to know that He chose me before I chose Him, and that He will always love me with a love that is undefinable. I like to think of the phrase “it isn’t about how far you wander, as long as you come home to Him” when defining my relationship with God. It’s never too late to start a relationship with God. I no longer see being a Christian as a perfect person, I see someone who has scars, someone who has faced hardship and still comes before God to say “I believe in You, Lord” and is their true self. I’ve learned that Christianity isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being unapologetically me.
What do you think?
If this story has encouraged you to place your faith in Jesus as your Savior and your Lord, you can do so right now, or anytime you are ready, by sincerely expressing a simple prayer to Him. Prayer is simply talking with God. The exact words are not as important as the attitude of your heart. Here is a suggested prayer:“Lord Jesus, I need you. Thank you for dying on the cross to pay for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Start making me the kind of person you want me to be.”