PRIVILEGED

College teaches us a lot - academics and a lot more. I didn't expect to learn much about my faith - but God had other plans. College made me realize just how privileged we are as Christians – we have literally been given God’s word, we have been given a way to turn back to good after sin, we have a God who cares so much about us that he sent us prophets, visions, saints, apparitions, Mama Mary, angels, blessings, his grace and LITERALLY HIS OWN SON. 

I think as Christians we forget just how much we have – because our faith is cut out for us. We don’t have to think up of ways to love God – because he already loves us, we don’t have to make “compulsory” sacrifices – because his Son sacrificed himself for us, we don’t have to search for the truth – because God has told us himself, through the prophets, through the church and sometimes he speaks to us directly. 

I attend a college that is run by our protestant brothers and sisters and a few months back, there was a bible book fare. Most Christian students went around looking through the various books, bibles, journals, and faith related items. My friend bought a Bible – a very pretty journal edition that had space for writing notes, thoughts, or prayers. When we got back to our room, our non-Christian roommate was quite interested at the new “Bible” and leafed through the pages admiring the beauty of the book. She read the first paragraph of Genesis and suddenly exclaimed “Wow! That’s so cool! You guys are so lucky – to have everything written down in a book! How many times have you read it?” 

My friend and I looked at each other – guilt and shame clearly pulling on our hearts. There were people following religions without any proof of God existing and having complete belief that God exists and then there was us – having so much and not even bothering to read God’s word to us. We have all that we need and so much more – and we still have bad days. God speaks to us, saves us from evil, protects us and does so much more and we still struggle to hold a conversation with him. 

We have a parent who is ready to give us EVERYTHING just for us to stay with him, to be loved, to be HIS. He tells us this everyday – and when we don’t listen, he patiently reminds us through our daily lives – hoping that through the course of time we will come back to be loved. And I think that’s what sets apart Christianity from other religions – our God expects nothing in return, he just wants to love and have us be LOVED. No strings attached; no conditions applied. And he tells us this – lets us know that he’s there, makes us aware of his love and just character. 

We have a living God – and that makes all the difference.