Growing up, I attended church every Sunday.
I went to Sunday school, sang in the church choir, and I was an altar server at our church. I would go to confession with our priest, but never felt any remorse or sadness for the things I had done. I would pray before each meal and before bed because I knew it was the right thing to do. My prayers, however, were just things I memorized when I was young and recited over and over again. I did all of these things because I thought they made me a better person. I thought that doing these good acts would one day get me to heaven. In reality, I was just going through the motions.
As I got older, family troubles often left me feeling broken and alone. During those times I remember lying on my bed and begging God to fix whatever was happening at that time. I was always bad at talking about my feelings with friends or family, so talking to the Lord became a new constant in my life. As I began talking to Him more, I found myself seeking comfort in His word. As I read my Bible, I realized that I had been doing life wrong all these years.
Ephesians 2: 8-10 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
God’s grace is a free gift. It can’t be earned, and we definitely do not deserve it. Going to church and doing good works isn’t going to change how deeply God loves us or how graceful and merciful He is. As we grow in intimacy with the Lord, we will long to do good works for Him. This isn’t to gain His love or grace, but to honor Him, bring glory to Him, and to build His Kingdom.
So if you are someone who is just going through the motions, I encourage you to dig into His word. Build a relationship with Him. Follow the calling He puts on your heart. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and take the Lord’s hand as he guides you to places and adventures you never saw coming. From my own personal experience, taking that step of faith leads to places full of new experiences and new relationships. You will see God work in incredible ways and feel His presence walking with you every step of the way.
Joyfully His,
Lizzy Bodkin
