Are We Pushing People Away?

Today, while in the study area at school I overheard a conversation that has been troubling me. I wanted to share with you what I observed.

{I swear I was NOT listening to their conversation intentionally--I just could hear them because the area was supposed to be silent, so their chatter stood out.}

There was a young woman explaining to her friend the absolute horror of growing up in a Christian home where she was made to attend Church & believe certain, ridiculous truths. As she wove a tale of woe her friend gasped at the shocking, terrible way this young woman had been raised. How dare her parents make her attend Church, teach that gay marriage was not something to be applauded, and expect their children to cling true to certain teachings. 

It made me so sad. But, as the story went on I realized something. This young women's parents had the greatest of intentions. They wanted their children to be holy, kind, and good. They wanted them to want to have a faith. I know those parents did their best, and I am not blaming them. But, did they maybe do something wrong?

I think the answer may be yes. I know there are times in my life when I have been absolutely wrong when I have tried to lead people to God. I am human, so of course I will not be perfect all of the time. But, that is not an excuse. Not this time.

I think sometimes, as Christians, we are under-educated. In order to teach and lead others to God and faith we have to know & understand what they are being led to. People, especially youth, hate being told that they can't-- Tell a 16 year old they can't have sex, they can't get drunk, they can't watch porn and they are going to do it. We have to know they why behind the "you can'ts". And, more than just knowing the why, we have to be able to explain it in a way that is going to meet people where they are at, and help them to understand why the "you can't" isn't imposing or restricting, but beautiful and freeing.

This Lent I challenge you to choose one thing in your faith (an apologetic topic, maybe) that you believe but don't really understand. Educate yourself. Not knowing is not an excuse. If we want to bring people to faith we have to know it.

Emily xo