by wanttomakeadifference

Created on: May 15, 2008

I have often contended the single biggest threat to Christianity are self-professed Christians. If one is truly strong in his or her faith, the views of secular society or other religious views should not affect one's own walk with God. The operative word being "should not."

I must confess that my own relationship with God has been a roller coaster. I was raised by a very strong Christian mother, who has never wavered from her faith. On the other hand, no one would ever accuse my father of being a man of God. His actions have never shown that he was filled with fruits of the spirit. But ultimately it is not my place to judge him, only God is able to judge hearts.

I made my profession of faith at the age of ten. For the next few years, I was the epitome of what a young Christian should be. I attended services whenever the doors were open and I tried never to let negative words or profanity come out of my mouth. Many people told me that someday I would probably be a preacher.

Unfortunately, as I grew older my Christian upbringing seemed to be placed on the backburner in my early 20's. I went through my party stage and often put myself in non-Christian positions. Granted, I was still considered a "nice guy." I cared for people and tried to always be polite. However, a certain bitterness often ruled my heart. My parents were divorced and life always seemed to be a struggle.I kept so many things inside for so many years. I had several friends but very few seemed to really know the real me.I preferred listening to other people's struggles than to deal with my own problems. Committment was a real problem for me and I could not seem to settle on a career path.

About ten years ago, I made a committment to the field of education and my spirits soared. I loved the profession and I found myself regaining focus with God. However, I still struggled deep down inside because I began to feel a distance from people. People knew me as someone who came across confident with a sharp sense of humor. That was so not me, not really. I desired a strong friendship with someone who really wanted to know my deepest thoughts. The problem was I had only allowed people to know me on a superficial level. Life had to be about more than just going to a ballgame or concert. I found myself during times of prayers, praying less about my relationship with God but the desire to connect with other people.

Eventually I did surround myself with people I still consider true friends. However,I quickly discovered

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