As we journey together through Lent, Christians throughout Columbia will be sharing their own beautifully written personal meditations. Each will be accompanied by a corresponding scripture reading, and be linked to that passage in the Holy Bible. If you would like to join us on Columbia’s Lenten journey, please submit your personal meditation by email. Especially meaningful submissions will be printed. Let us continue our Lenten journey, day by day, to its glorious culmination on Easter Sunday.
Scripture reading: John 8:21-32
Faith is complicated.
When times are tough, I find it easier to have a strong faith. There is no other choice.
But when things settle down, it’s harder.
Sometimes I am a good Christian, showing up every time the church doors are open, tithing on every gift card, studying scripture, and volunteering at every opportunity. The problem with these days is that entitlement sneaks in. I begin to be judgmental about who is not showing up at my service – scripture seems so clear that I can tell others how they should interpret it and I lose focus on the important things about mission.
At other times, I cannot keep a steady service schedule, I fall behind in my pledge payments, and I cannot find service that calls me. In these humble days, God is there for me but my guilt creates distance.
When times are good, I am constantly going back and forth between these states. Balance is the goal, but is not easy.
Faith is complicated. It is belief backed by action tampered by humility. And it is hard.
Truth however is simpler. Christ is. Thank heavens for that.
Wallis Bond
Columbia, South Carolina
You might also like to read:
- Bible Verse of the Day
- Daily Bible Guide
- Growing in Christ
- Bible Study Tools Online
- The Jesus Walk Bible Study Series
A discussion of today’s Lenten meditation is encouraged. If you would like to participate, please feel free to write a comment in the space below. There are many different outlooks and interpretations of scripture passages and, the more we share, the more we learn.
Sharon is a member of the Community Church of the Midlands that meets at Seven Oaks Community Center at 200 Leisure Lane in Columbia and is a frequent participant, with her husband Douglas, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral located at 1100 Sumter Street in Columbia.
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If you enjoyed this article, you can find more at Sharon's Columbia Biblical Studies Examiner homepage.
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