I’m starting to realize that the sermons and topics I love to hear and listen to are not very popular within my Christian community and this tends to make me feel like an outsider.

Some of my favorite sermons are when my church highlights the work they are doing out in the community, whether it be our local community or the international community. Fostering community is important to me as well as being a person of action. I love learning how my church is actually living the call of Jesus to be a blessing and helping others with the resources it has.

The sermon at my church this past Sunday really spoke to me because it was about living out your faith in small, ordinary ways. It was a reminder that you are not called to do big, heroic acts, but highlighted that true change usually comes in the ordinary of places doing the ordinary of things. No flashy actions are needed, just authentic moments. During Jesus ministry he met people where they were, like at a well or walking along a road. He wanted intimate connections with people, not theatrics.

I have been sad to learn that many do not like these kinds of sermons. When it comes to talking about walking the way of Jesus and being an example of him in our everyday lives many don’t want to discuss this. People rather just listen and reflect internally, but don’t want to actually take action.

We are told that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). Believers and the church are seeing this played out in society in how others view the church: the church and believers have a bad reputation because their actions are not showing the true heart of Jesus.

If we truly love Jesus and want to be a true believer, our love of him and his grace calls us to action. This love COMPELS us to act- to act differently and to be a light unto the world. As believers, we can’t just say we believe, we actually need to be examples of Christ to others. I love the saying “you may be the only Bible someone reads”. And let us not forget that talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words. Anyone can say they are a Christians, but you will really know their true beliefs by their actions.

So, I guess I am writing this post out of frustration. I just get the feeling that others don’t want to talk about solid actions and actually living their faith. And I know it is hard- I am not saying that I have it figured out or that I live my life as a perfect example of Christ. I let my worry of offending others keep me from being more vocal about my faith. But I know if I truly have authentic faith and love in Jesus, I am compelled to share that with others. I WANT to be a good example of a follower of Christ, even though I know I will fail over and over again.

Do I have a solution or call to action? I don’t. I don’t know what the next steps are. I guess that I am using this as a reminder that in the end I just hope that through my action’s others see that I am trying to live an authentic life that shows God’s love to others. And I wish I had more of a community to share this desire with.