Church Hurt & How to Overcome It

Have you been hurt by church people before?

Have you been hurt by someone who claimed to be a “Christian”?

I feel all too often that the answer to these types of questions is a resounding, yes! In asking these questions of myself, I also answer yes.

Now that I am in leadership at a church, I also ask this question. Do church attendees and/or Christians realize they are the main reason most people do not attend a local church?

Why is this an issue?

We live in a world where people want to be cared for and accepted. To be genuinely seen for who they are and not looked down upon for who they are not. Most “traditional church goers” are so caught up in their traditions and the way things have always been that they are forsaking the concept of Christianity all together.

The act of being Christ-like has been lost in the sight of being criticizing.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

Let me bring out a key word that I have read repeatedly in the past but today it sticks out like a sore thumb.

Renewing

Transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Renewing: to give fresh life or strength to; revive.

So let me put this verse in my own words for you: Do not let this world and the people around you have an effect on your relationship with God; get into God’s Word and let it make a dramatic change in you and then live each day fulfilling His plan for your life.

Want a closer relationship with God?

For so long I allowed church people to teach me how I should live, what I should believe and how to discern what was right or wrong. I am ashamed to admit that. Actually reading my bible for any other reason than being able to check it off my daily to do list was not normal. I firmly believe that is a trap of the devil. He wants people to believe it is about religion. Check it off the list because it is something we “should” do. Being able to live out Romans 12:2 has nothing to do with religion or a check box. It has everything to do with a real relationship with God. How do we do that?

1. Get you a bible you can read comfortably and understand.

2. Read it every single day. Discipline yourself to do this.

3. Pray and ask God to show you how you are to live each day.

4. Find someone who will walk alongside you and help you as you navigate this life.

So now what?

Friend, trust me when I say that for far too long I allowed other people to have an impact on my relationship with God. Coming to the realization that I was caught up in religion was an eye opening experience for me. The funny part is all this came to a head when my husband became a pastor. He was looked at differently because he does not fit the mold of how a pastor should look, act, dress, etc. All of this criticism came from church people. People who would quote Romans 12:2 on Sunday but then do exactly opposite on the same day.

Chris and I made a vow to God that we will lead, teach and preach differently. That we will reach out to people where they were at and love those in spite of what the world sees. We will put Jesus first, period. We boldly stand firm in our faith and will not back down from the calling God has placed on our lives.

We strive to do this every single day. It’s hard and the sad part of this is I can still answer yes to some of those original questions. It still happens today. We declare, however, that we will not be conformed to this world but that God will transform us. We will break the traditional church chain.

It is time for Christians to act as the word translates, Christ-like.

Let's pass on the importance of a relationship with God and not the rules of a religion.

Until next time!

Robyn💕