Don't understand what a Christian is supposed to do

[InnocenceCannon]

I've been confused about this since I've become a Christian. At first, I tried to act and treat people with the utmost respect thinking I could earn good graces. Obviously, I unlearned this quickly as I suffered no matter how pious I was being.

I'm utterly lost. I keep finding myself drift further and further away from God no matter what I do. It doesn't matter when I was heavily reading my bible and praying or sinning freely. I've never been able to feel God, as many Christians claim.

That's why when you answer, I'd like to hear your advice, besides praying. Not that I don't understand how important this is, but because I think that I could pray intensely for the rest of my life, and I'll still be as far away as I am now. I think my problem is something else which is preventing me from being what I could.

I don't understand what a Christian is supposed to do. I mean, you read your bible, pray, and then...what? What action are we supposed to take? I would just sacrifice my happiness to save the world, but you can't impress God. So what would be the use of me helping out at a homeless shelter, or being the most consistent person to attend church, or ending the endless conflict in the Middle East, if I don't care to do so, which is what I'm feeling right now.

I don't have any sort of hobby. Any sort of talent, which is what most Christian call "serving God". They have some sort of talent, which they show God how much they love Him with it. Example, with music, they might raise money for the needy, or such things. Or a gift, such as those who receive prophecies, like over on the dream board. I've never known such a feeling however. As skeptical as you might be, I have no dream. No interests. Nothing entertains me, nothing inspires me. I find myself about to graduate college with a degree I have no interest in. Only sin gets a rise out of me, but we all know I can't go down that path.

 

[Peripatetic]

There are a few things to consider here. First, you are correct that doing good works and treating people well won't earn Grace (either God's grace or worldly "good graces"). God's grace is freely given and not earned. As for worldly good fortune, your Christianity and good actions do not guarantee that. Our lives are supposed to include suffering. It is what helps us build our strength of character and faith.

That said, in order to be joyful both in the good times and bad, a person does need to build a relationship with God. There are several things that can prevent this. The most common barriers come from sinful patterns. I know that was the case with me. I had a similar case of distance as yours, but even worse because I wasn't as aware of it as you are. I was content to be a lukewarm Christian because I thought I was more than that. I went to church, prayed, read a daily devotion, kept out of trouble. Not bad, right? But I was in a major rut, and just didn't feel God in my life the way that I should have. Only later did I come to realize that there were behavior patterns, perspectives, and attitudes that were putting up big walls. None of them would be considered "bad" by worldly standards, but they were bad for me. Once I changed them, the ice melted away and my relationship with God really began to develop again.

Another big barrier in today's world is distraction. We are so busy with worldly wants and responsibilities that we lose focus very quickly. If we don't take the time to learn from God's word, we are living life without the instruction manual.

Last thing: you said you don't have any talent. Welcome to the club! There are many of us out there that can't sing or play an instrument, can't draw, aren't especially creative, and don't have that special calling that others do. The question that I've asked myself is: why do I need one? Why can't I just live a balanced, unspectacular life where I love God, love others, and do my best? Some people think the book of Ecclesiastes is depressing, but I think it can be quite the opposite for people that feel like there should be more to life. You might want to read it and consider the message... it really helps put things into perspective. And whether you know it or not, you do have special gifts. They may just not be as obvious to society (and even yourself).

 

[joey_downunder]

Hi InnocenceCanon, VertigoAge made some very good points about needing to identify things that may be holding you back from growing in your faith. What you said made me think of several pages for you to consider from the funny "Parodies of Piety" ebook:
Dirty laundry ritual parody
Health Club parody

I think every christian would recognize themselves amongst all those traits listed.... I think I am especially guilty of the first part of Rebound parody

Now speaking as a Mum - if my little boy suddenly decided that unless he was always good and never made any mistakes that he could never spend any time with me -that would break my heart. Now I am more than imperfect but God loves us far more than any human parent possibly could. The personal side of Christianity is a relationship with God formed by faith not by good works. If we had to earn God's love through pleasing Him first then not one of us could possibly be saved. You will grow with God only remaining in Him John 15 . You might like to download this whole ebook for later use. Spirit-union Allows for Soul-rest

As for talents, gifts etc. I think a lot of us have been told that we have to achieve wonderful, noticeable things that will bring great admiration to God (and ourselves). Anything hum-drum and routine will be looked down on by some people as us not fulfilling our true destiny.... but what if a christian is truly doing God's will if they're "just" doing someone's taxes honestly, or "just" wiping a toddler's dirty nose yet again, or "just" working behind a shop's counter? You can only be yourself.

So you are leaving college unsure about whether you had done the right course? Even if you only work in that field for a short time it will give you experience and will give you a good idea of what you enjoy the most and value the most. You could use it as a stepping stone to something else more fulfilling. e.g. A lawyer could use their training wonderfully in human rights or health care work. Or an artist could go on to do science. I heard of one who did after they found they did such good diagrams of what was under the microscope and they wanted to understand what they were drawing!

 

[Morphane]

InnocenceCannon, I wonder if you've had a spiritual awakening or were instead raised in a Christian culture, where faith was just a matter of course?

The ideal Christian experience involves the bestowing of a new way of seeing reality. Instead of viewing oneself as separate and alone, suddenly one realises an amazing interconnectedness between everyone and everything.

Most importantly though, there is the revelation of God's overwhelming love for you as an individual. That Christ would have died on that cross for you alone.

Therefore, in response to this awareness of God's love, and the interconnected nature of everything, good works are not performed as some odious chore that must be done, but because they are a joyful expression of wonderment.

Unfortunately, not everyone gets to experience this way of viewing reality. Even those that do have a profound born again experience, can get plunged back into the carnal mindset, and must practice their love for God and others through faith.

Now if someone was raised in the faith, yet had never really had an encounter with God, I can understand how they might begin to question the authenticity of the practice.

I explain this so you may understand, at least intellectually, how it should be. As for how one attains the kind of spiritual revelation I'm talking about, I can offer no advice. It is a gift of God, and can't be earnt in any way by good deeds, Bible reading, or church attendance. One simply seeks after God with no expectations.

 

[Sketcher]

I've been confused about this since I've become a Christian. At first, I tried to act and treat people with the utmost respect thinking I could earn good graces. Obviously, I unlearned this quickly as I suffered no matter how pious I was being.

That's a hard lesson of life. Remember, Jesus was perfect in how he treated people, but they still hung him on a cross. We treat people the way we would like to be treated because it's the right thing to do, not because we think that people will pay us back.

I'm utterly lost. I keep finding myself drift further and further away from God no matter what I do. It doesn't matter when I was heavily reading my bible and praying or sinning freely. I've never been able to feel God, as many Christians claim.

We all have times when we feel that way, but the thing to do then is to keep doing what's right while resisting what's wrong. God's going to see that, and appreciate it. He exists and is pleased with us when we do right whether we can feel him or not.

I don't understand what a Christian is supposed to do. I mean, you read your bible, pray, and then...what? What action are we supposed to take? I would just sacrifice my happiness to save the world, but you can't impress God. So what would be the use of me helping out at a homeless shelter, or being the most consistent person to attend church, or ending the endless conflict in the Middle East, if I don't care to do so, which is what I'm feeling right now.

We are to love the Lord, and love people. We usually come up short of where we need to be in these key areas, and don't know what the next step is to improvement. What I would recommend is that you read and memorize Mark 12:28-32, reflect on it, and make it your prayer. How can you love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength? How can you love your neighbor as yourself? Ask God how you can love him more. Ask God what needs there are out there that you can meet, or at least help to meet. Keep doing this, make it your mindset, and keep your eyes open for opportunities.

I don't have any sort of hobby. Any sort of talent, which is what most Christian call "serving God". They have some sort of talent, which they show God how much they love Him with it. Example, with music, they might raise money for the needy, or such things. Or a gift, such as those who receive prophecies, like over on the dream board. I've never known such a feeling however. As skeptical as you might be, I have no dream. No interests. Nothing entertains me, nothing inspires me. I find myself about to graduate college with a degree I have no interest in. Only sin gets a rise out of me, but we all know I can't go down that path.

What this means is that there's all sorts of things you can try. Where does your church need people? What Christian charities in town need people? If you don't feel yourself particularly led to anyplace, then just pick something and try it. If that doesn't work out, pick something else and try that.

 

[tturt]

OP - I felt that way well, I guess it's been a couple of years. Perhaps you can benefit from the months I spent searching - I realized that what was missing was worship for Yahweh. Praise isn't worship. I searched - what's the difference between praise and worship and found very, very few articles. Praise can lead to worship. I had to get my eyes off myself and solely onto Him to worship Him. Most of our songs in churches are about us and I understand we have to have a personal connection. One of the articles suggested locating the names, titles and attributes of Yahweh, there are hundreds - if not thousands - and spend time focusing on just a couple at a time. Meditating on those Scriptures and trying to keep "me, myself, and I" out of it. Then look at my day through the lens of what the meditation was about that day. By meditating - I'm not implying to empty our minds - not at all - but instead a concentrated focus on Him. Also, I find worship music - again that's all about Him. You may know other ways to worship Him and that's great and believe that you would greatly benefit from those thoughts, ideas, etc.

 

[ezeric]

Dear InnocenceCannon

No talent, no future, no hope, no money, no power....

You my friend, are just the right person that GOD is looking for.

You have all the credentials - you fully qualify!

You may reason, within yourself, saying; 'but I've got no talent'?

But that is exactly who GOD searches for, the losers - the least, the nothings!
Is that you?

Anybody else here in the CF that has a similar background?

This is exactly how JESUS says it to us:

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. See the entire passage in 1 Corinthians 1:18-30

Now rest in HIS amazing love - you know HE loves you? Don't you?

And start to ask HIM, what HIS plans are - what is best for you/ best for others.
Because HE is love, and love is always looking out for the best.

-eric

 

[tturt]

There's a million ways to help in the church and its members. I'm sure if you asks your minister they will be able to provide you many opportunities. I would Always serve with another person.

Encourage everyone no matter their role. Even in the tabernacle that Moses built someone had to make the garments, incense, etc. and all of that had to be maintained.

Very importantly, you can pray prior to services and ask the Lord to guide everyone that His will would be done. He promised when 2-3 are gathered in His name, He will be with us.

We can always when we hear negative talk, point out the good.

No matter what we do, we all want to do it to the best best of our ability to honor Him.

 

[Morphane]

Dear InnocenceCannon

No talent, no future, no hope, no money, no power....

You my friend, are just the right person that GOD is looking for.

You have all the credentials - you fully qualify!

You may reason, within yourself, saying; 'but I've got no talent'?

But that is exactly who GOD searches for, the losers - the least, the nothings!
Is that you?

Anybody else here in the CF that has a similar background?

This is exactly how JESUS says it to us:

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. See the entire passage in 1 Corinthians 1:18-30

Now rest in HIS amazing love - you know HE loves you? Don't you?

And start to ask HIM, what HIS plans are - what is best for you/ best for others.
Because HE is love, and love is always looking out for the best.

-eric

Interesting observation. I think it must be because those who are truly engaged in the World, in the game of life which includes marriage and child rearing, don't have time for the idea that it is all in vain. That this reality will pass away - that the true reality, the one that is eternal, is God.

Like the rich man who stands to lose a great deal, because he actually thinks all his wealth has value. But the riches and pleasures of the world are worthless. So those who imbue no value on the World, have nothing to lose when it comes to the Kingdom of Heaven. This is well and good, for to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, one must abandon the World - including the self, or the avatar, that plays in the World.

This is a frightening and demoralising concept to those who love the World. But for those who realise that all that glitters is not gold, the bubble has burst, and the illusion is broken. Such can feel the love of God pouring down upon them, and like salmon swimming against the flow, they seek to go back home after their excursion on Earth.