Kristen Henderlong

Just something I’ve been thinking about lately… What’s the point of following Jesus and calling yourself a Christian if you know you’re going to mess up? 

I used to find my identity in being “good.” I always tried to do the right thing. As I got older and made decisions based on feelings and fell on my face a few times I realized I was not a “good” person… I was just a person who made mistakes like everyone else. Yes I know God is gracious and He says he forgives me. But why? I’m just going to mess up again right? Nobody likes to fail or feel pain.  Why go through all that trouble? What’s the point?

The point is the relationship. The communion. The connection. The love. 

Calling yourself a Christian is not an achievement. It’s not a Medal of Honor to say Christ died for me so I can be a new person. It’s not a license to continue to make wrong choices, but also not a reason to strain yourself trying to be perfect either.  It’s also not a reason to pretend you’re perfect.

Calling yourself a follower of Christ should be considered a proclamation of surrender and humble, grateful acknowledgement of what God has done. It’s an opportunity to live in awe and wonder… to always be amazed. It’s the chance to feel real and true, unconditional love.

Yes we are Christ followers, a.k.a. “Christians” but first and foremost we are Beloved. 

I have a love-hate relationship with the term “Christian” which means “Christ followers” or “little Christs” which is hilarious because my name, Kristen, literally means follower of Christ. 

To many people, the word Christian has a negative connotation. It strikes a nerve. Same with the word church, Bible or Jesus. I have witnessed this first hand when I have shared anything about my personal journey with someone who does not openly call themselves a Christian. I sense their discomfort when I use those words. I’m sure for several different reasons. They stop making eye contact or they get really serious. Sometimes they change the subject or just shut down altogether.

Am I offended by this? Not at all.  It ultimately makes me curious about their story and why they feel the way they do. I just want them to know they are so loved and that it’s not about being “perfect” or pretending to be.  

Christianity is supposed to be about finding yourself and knowing that you literally exist to be loved by God and to love Him. That’s why everyone longs for love and searches for it.  That’s why we feel empty and without purpose when we are lonely.  It’s why we feel fulfillment in connecting with others whether it’s friendships, relationships or family… because we were created for God’s pure and unconditional love.  Without it we have an identity crisis.

Do you have a hard time grasping who you are sometimes?  I know I do.  I get caught up in my work status or how to please others. I allow the worries of money and family get to me sometimes. But none of that defines who I am or what I stand for. It doesn’t define you either.

God calls you Beloved. God calls you His own. You belong. You matter. You are perfectly imperfect and He loves you no matter what.

Imperfect and always room for growth and renewal. God is patient and kind in drawing us closer to Him and away from the distractions that torment us and stunt our growth. Don’t be afraid! Don’t give up on yourself because He hasn’t given up on you.

Remember: You are loved.