Something I’ve learned recently is just how quickly the ups and downs of a relationship with God come. One week I find myself soaring on the promise of salvation granted to me; other weeks I struggle to even crack open my Bible, and it’s during those times that I begin to doubt my faith. Why do I follow an age-old religion that seems contradictory to so many things society praises? Why am I forcing myself to obey rules that feel outdated and restricting? What do I gain from seeking some invisible God? What’s the point?

It’s times like these that God tends to interrupt my self-absorbed identity crisis and speak truth into my heart. Who am I to question the Almighty God? I am nothing more than a drop of water in the sea of humanity, and yet He calls me His special possession (1 Peter 2). I am a disgustingly flawed human being, yet the light of Christ shines within me. I am the woman who screamed for the nails to be driven further into His hands, yet when I mock Him time and time again, He forgives me. Christianity is not meant to be easy or trendy; Christianity is meant to be real.

It’s within this real and authentic Christianity that we find the most beautiful part: a life lived radically for Christ. It’s through the example we set for others that the most powerful impact is made for His kingdom. We aren’t meant to stand complacently and watch those around us fall into sin, temptation, and eternal damnation. The point of Christianity is not to sit smugly in our salvation; it is to scream from the rooftops of the glorious grace we have been given.

Unfortunately, it takes time to become comfortable enough with our walk to take those more radical steps. Living a more externally Christ-like life means taking a big leap outside of our comfort zones, and that can be scary when you’re feeling those doubts. Why should we put ourselves out there for God? I’ll tell you why: He’s done it for us time and time again. He put Himself out there when He sent His son to be born of an imperfect human. He took a big step when He performed miracle after miracle, from turning water into wine to healing the blind to walking on water to raising the dead. He hung on the cross in agony as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, and if that’s not putting Himself out there, then I don’t know what is.

My point is, we live our lives intentionally for Christ because He is so intentional about us. He loves us unconditionally and shows us grace eternal. Like Elevation Worship sings, “The great exchange of love and grace came down to give us life.” In light of all that He does for us, who are we to refuse Him? We must learn to put ourselves aside and pick up our cross. Sometimes it’s easy, and sometimes it’s not; however, it’s always necessary.