People who strive to be good Christians often avoid these 8 mistakes

There’s a vast difference between simply calling oneself a Christian and striving to be a good one.

This difference boils down to the avoidance of certain pitfalls. Simply labeling oneself a Christian can sometimes mask underlying flaws and mistakes.

Striving to be a good Christian, however, involves acknowledging these potential errors and actively working to avoid them.

For those who wish to walk this path, recognition of common mistakes is crucial. And trust me, there are certain missteps that those striving to be good Christians often avoid.

Here’s a glimpse into some of those mistakes you should steer clear of.

1) Judging others

Living out a Christian life isn’t a free pass to sit on the judgement seat.

Many folks make the mistake of using their faith as a platform to judge others. This isn’t just unkind, but it’s also contrary to Christian teachings.

Remember, we’re all human and imperfect. Only God is in the position to judge us.

Those striving to be good Christians often remember this and refrain from passing judgment on others. They understand that everyone is on their own unique journey, with unique challenges.

Instead of judging, these individuals extend grace, forgiveness, and understanding to those around them. This approach not only aligns with Christian principles but also promotes unity and mutual respect amongst people.

But remember, this isn’t about turning a blind eye to wrongdoings; it’s about practicing empathy and leaving the ultimate judgment to God.

So, if you’re striving to be a better Christian, this is one mistake you’d want to steer clear of.

2) Neglecting personal relationship with God

It’s easy to fall into the habit of going through the motions of faith without truly connecting with God. I’ve been there myself.

Years ago, I would attend church every Sunday, participate in community service, and even lead Bible study groups. Yet, I felt a void. While I was ticking off all the ‘good Christian’ boxes, I had missed the most important part – developing a personal relationship with God.

Those who strive to be good Christians understand that faith isn’t just about rituals or public displays of religion; it’s about fostering a personal, intimate relationship with God. This relationship is built on prayer, meditation on His word, and quiet moments of just being in His presence.

From my experience, this personal connection brings a deeper understanding of God’s love and grace. It provides a solid foundation for your faith that can weather any storm life throws your way.

So make time to nurture your relationship with God. It’s a mistake to neglect this crucial aspect of your faith journey.

3) Ignoring the importance of fellowship

In the early Christian church, believers didn’t just meet for formal worship; they “broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46). This wasn’t a mere social gathering but a vital part of their spiritual growth.

Those striving to be good Christians recognize the value of fellowship. It’s not just about attending church services; it’s about building relationships within the community of believers. It’s about sharing experiences, encouraging each other, and growing together in faith.

Sadly, some mistake solitary faith for strong faith. However, the early church’s example shows us that Christianity isn’t meant to be a solitary journey. We’re encouraged to “not give up meeting together” (Hebrews 10:25).

So, don’t underestimate the power of fellowship. It’s much more than just a social event—it’s an integral part of your faith journey.

4) Overlooking the power of service

Striving to be a good Christian isn’t just about personal growth; it’s also about reaching out and serving others.

Jesus himself said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). This is a powerful example of the importance of service in Christian life.

Unfortunately, some people make the mistake of focusing solely on their own spiritual progress, forgetting that true Christianity calls for us to serve others. This could mean volunteering at a local charity, helping a neighbor in need, or even just lending a listening ear to someone facing challenges.

Remember, service doesn’t have to be grand gestures. Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact and reflect the love of Christ in our lives.

So, don’t overlook the power of service. It’s a vital way to live out your Christian faith.

5) Forgetting the essence of love

At the core of Christianity is a powerful and profound commandment – to love.

It’s written in the scriptures, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). This isn’t just about loving those who are easy to love, but also those who may be difficult to love.

It can be heartbreaking to see how often this essence of love is overlooked or forgotten. Some mistake Christianity for a set of rules and regulations, losing sight of its true heart – love.

Striving to be a good Christian means remembering that all actions, decisions, and words should be rooted in love. It’s not always easy, but it’s at the heart of what it means to follow Christ’s teachings.

So remember, if you’re striving to be a good Christian, don’t forget the essence of love. It’s arguably the most important part of your journey.

6) Fearing doubt

There have been moments in my faith journey when I’ve wrestled with doubt. Questions about God, my faith, and even the nature of good and evil have kept me awake at night. I used to think this was a sign of weak faith.

However, those striving to be good Christians often understand that doubt isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather an opportunity for growth. It’s a chance to dig deeper into your beliefs and come out stronger on the other side.

Engaging with your doubts rather than fearing them can lead to a more profound understanding of your faith. It allows you to build a faith that’s robust, resilient, and deeply personal.

So don’t fear doubt. Embrace it, engage with it, and let it fuel your journey towards a stronger faith.

7) Neglecting self-care

Christian life is often associated with selflessness and sacrifice. While these are crucial elements, they mustn’t lead to the neglect of self-care.

The Bible says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19). This verse reminds us of the importance of caring for our physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Those striving to be good Christians understand that they can better serve others when they’re in good health themselves. They make time for rest, healthy eating, exercise, and activities that nurture their mental health.

So remember to care for yourself. It’s not selfish; it’s a necessary part of being able to love and serve others effectively.

8) Losing sight of grace

At the heart of Christian faith is the concept of grace – God’s unmerited favor towards us. It’s crucial to remember that our salvation is not a result of our good works, but a gift of God’s grace.

Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Those who strive to be good Christians keep grace at the forefront. They understand that while good works are important, they are a response to God’s love and grace, not a means to earn salvation.

So, never lose sight of grace. It’s the cornerstone of your faith and the key to understanding God’s immense love for you.

Final thought: It’s a journey

The path to becoming a good Christian isn’t about perfection, but progress. It’s about gradually aligning our lives with Christ’s teachings and making conscious efforts to avoid these common pitfalls.

As the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:12, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”

This journey is unique for each individual; it’s filled with personal growth, introspection, and sometimes even stumbling. But every step, every stumble, brings us closer to being more Christ-like.

So whether you’re just starting this journey or have been on it for a while, remember that it’s not about being perfect. It’s about striving each day to be a better version of yourself than you were the day before.

Keep pressing on, keep growing, and remember: You are not alone on this journey. You have the grace of God and the fellowship of fellow believers with you every step of the way.