Questions of my Faith?

[quietirishriver]

Alright, well I come from a pretty confusing background.
Both of my parent's parents went to church every day and worship Jesus, but I'm afraid my own parents never followed the faith. I grew up not knowing who Jesus is, and was without teachings on the Bible.
In fourth grade everything seemed to crash upon me. My best friends were both strong Christians and tried to convert me, my uncle tried to convert me, my aunt, there was lots of pressure. The only thing was, though, when I went to church I enjoyed it.
Recently my friend invited me to join his church which I attended last Sunday, it was wonderful. I remembered why I love Jesus. But I would like some advice... I want to love God because I personally love him, not because others want me to. I enjoy others wanting me to love God, but I don't want that to be the only reason. I've begun questioning: did I start calling myself a Christian to be accepted socially, instead of actually loving God? If that is true, can I call myself Christian? I truly want to love God... but I don't know why I have been calling myself a Christian. Its just confusing me-- if I had been pressured into it before, how do I change that into simply loving God for loving God, not loving others loving me for loving God? (lots of 'loves' right there!)

Sorry if this is in a sort of rant form, I just let it come out..

 

[JasperJackson]

quietirishriver,
I had similar thoughts when I first became Christian. Just to be up-front, I used to be an atheist, so I'm not sure if this will have any relevance for you. Anyway, the person who had a big influence on me becoming Christian was a girl who I had obvious romantic feelings for. And I was worried that she was the only reason I became Christian. But that was only a fleeting thought because my eternal salvation is infinitely more important than anyone in this world.
You may be familiar with the verse "Love God will all your mind, all your soul, all your heart and all your strength" (Mark 12:20). This tells us how to love God. Sounds like you may be focussing on loving him with your heart, and neglecting loving him with your mind. To do that, you really need to understand him more. So try getting into his word more. I'd suggest getting a concordance or Bible dictionary and looking up the plethora of topics/teachings that are in the Bible.

 

[cherrylane]

Well, if you truly love God then you don't need to worry why you started going to church or what you did at the beginning, what matters now to you and to God is that you do love him and he loves you!

Cathy


website godsbiography

 

[drich0150]

I think by the mear fact you even question your motives, so as to prove your intentions, Does just that. In other words someone invested in a church or relationship with god for the wrong reasons wouldn't be asking these questions. I think your on the right track for now, but still have a ways to go. Brother Jackson's advise was spot on when he said you should read your bible more. This will give you wisdom and knowledge as well as self assurance in you walk with God.

 

[LilLamb219]

What makes us Christians? It's not US doing anything. We are Christians because of faith in Christ Jesus as our Savior who died on the cross in our substitute for the forgiveness of our sins and we trust that He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead...and we will have eternal life with Him. To know if you're a Christian, look to Christ and the cross...not to how much you love Him, because then you're turning your love into a work for whether or not you have salvation. Understanding the truth of the Gospel message will bring about love and it might not be as much love as you expect all the time, but as you grow in your relationship, so will your love...but don't use that as a gauge.

 

[salida]

Well, no one can force you to love God. After coming to Christ, the Holy Spirit draws us to God and to love God. If your friends weren't there, would you still go to church? When one gets the Holy Spirit, they want to worship God and go the the worship services first. Then the social things are secondary.