Essay Sample on Christians Struggling to Balance Secular and Godly Dynamics

Introduction

Every Christian encounters two different dynamics in their daily lives, the secular and Godly aspects since the world is mostly secular. People share different worldviews based on different foundations, and Christians face the risk of losing track in pursuing God's will as they interact with the world (Johnson & Woodruff, 2015). While the perspective of the world for Christians has foundations on the scriptures, the secular world has other dimensions, and Christians may find themselves immersed in them. As such, Christians need to find ways to find and maintain a balance between the two dynamics despite the various challenges they may encounter in this regard.

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Ways to Maintain Balance between the Dynamics

Several approaches can help in finding a balance of the two dynamics, including prayer, fellowship, and understanding the scripture. Prayer offers ideal solace in the face of challenges posed by the secular world. Having a defined praying routine and adhering to it enhances persistence and keeps one on track to avoid immersion into the secular world. 1 Peter 3:12 asserts that the Lord's years are attentive to those who pray. As such, through prayer, Christians maintain a close relationship with God, which strengthens their faith and therefore shields them from being influenced by the worldly dynamics (Elwell & Yarbrough, 2013, 886). Praying often makes one's faith more robust and resilient hence they can effectively manage the challenges presented by the secular world

Fellowship with believers is essential in getting a balance in a secular world. The world is mostly secular, and one may feel alone, which may tempt them to immerse themselves in the earthly doings to avoid loneliness and get acceptance. Conversely, spending time with believers can help to refresh and affirm one's faith. 1 John 1:7 encourages Christians to have fellowship with one another to be purified from sin. In a community of believers, people share beliefs and values hence supporting each other (Elwell, & Yarbrough, 2013, 886). Besides, such meetings present an opportunity to help fellow believers in their struggles, direct them on avoiding secular influences, and how to read scriptures. Hence with fellowships, a believer is well equipped to conquer secular immersion and maintain an ideal balance.

Living out the Christian faith can help maintain the desired balance. Believers should seek to exercise the fruits of the Holy Spirit, including gentleness, love, and goodness, since they play an essential role in strengthening faith. As such, they should actively participate in activities such as charity work and offering emotional support, which cultivates faith and makes it more resilient (Johnson & Woodruff, 2015). James 2:14-20 affirms that faith without works is impractical, and believers should be ready to engage in various activities to put their faith to action. Similarly, Christians must do well to the world, for both fellow believers and secular individuals as this form part of proclaiming the word (Elwell, & Yarbrough, 2013, 875). Such doings help them to live in a secular world while upholding their faith.

It is essential to build a deep understanding of the scriptures to build a strong foundation of faith and find balance in the face of earthly concepts. The scriptures help believers to identify the spirit of God and thus draw them close to him (1 John 4:2). As such, Christians should commit time to read the bible is prudent to strengthening faith to lead a Godly life. Superficial reading is discouraged as it makes one's faith fragile and, therefore, quickly immersed in the secular world. Conversely, with profound comprehension, believers are better equipped to maintain a balance between their faith and the secular world.

The Basis for Finding Balance

My basis for finding a balance between Godly pursuits and the secular world is living my faith. It enables me to connect with fellow believers and those in the secular world through the associated activities, such as charities. With the different works of faith, it helps to inspire them to embrace a lifestyle driven by belief and minimizes chances for immersion into the secular ways. The bible states that Christians are a chosen race to proclaim the Excellency of God (1 Peter 2:9). As such, through my involvement in these activities, it offers the needed balance and presents a chance to cultivate my faith and encourage others to live a Godly life.

Challenges Encountered in Finding a Balance

Christians face increased pressure to waver on their commitment to biblical teachings. The majority of people are less interested in Christianity and prefer worldly concepts such as diversity. As such, believers are heavily influenced toward joining their worldview and leaving their faith. The secular persons have vast philosophies to support how they view the world and challenge biblical principles (Johnson & Woodruff, 2015). Unless one focuses on their relationship with Christ instead of the rules, they could get swayed away from their beliefs. Christians should avoid things that may sway them towards unbelievers (1 Peter 13-16). Such an approach will help them overcome the influence of the secular world.

Another challenge is the media, including the internet and television. Most of the things displayed are contrary to Christian values, yet they are highly popularized. Johnson and Woodruff (2015) argue that people are generally influenced by what they absorb; hence continuous exposure to such content makes it challenging to maintain a balance between Christianity and the secular world. They thus make it easy for one to get swayed since behaviors such as sexual immorality are portrayed as trendy. Believers should focus more time on reading and understanding the scripture to grow in faith (1 Peter 2:2). Such a move will keep them from this exposure hence enable them to find and uphold a balance.

Lack of strong faith also poses a significant challenge. There is an increased tendency to doubt even among Christians, which makes it easy to influence them towards secularism. Paul asserts that one must have a strong faith to please God (Hebrews 11:6). However, constant pressures seek to undermine Christian faith, and one is likely to fall prey to them. These forces exist in the life of every Christian, and they must thus strive to strengthen their faith (Johnson & Woodruff, 2015). However, by connecting with faith-based communities, one can find an ideal balance since they present an opportunity for them to interact with fellow Christians. As such, they offer the needed social support to cultivate faith and strengthen it.

Changes to Make After the Overview

Some of the changes I would consider making include being resilient in faith. The different characters portrayed in the New Testament, including Paul, Peter, and Timothy, are inspirational and encourage me to take action to cultivate and enhance my faith. Besides, I will commit more time in reading the scriptures to gain further insights. From the overview, I realized that the bible is vast, and there is much to learn; hence it would be prudent to focus more in-depth into the bible. Lastly, I will strive to live a life of faith as it will not only strengthen my faith but also encourage those in the secular world to lead a faith-driven life. Subsequently, there will be more followers of Christianity in my society.

References

Barker, K. (Ed.). (1995). The NIV study bible. Zondervan Publishing House.

Elwell, W. A., & Yarbrough, R. W. (2013). Encountering the New Testament (Encountering Biblical Studies): A Historical and Theological Survey. Baker Books.

Johnson, T., & Woodruff, R. (2015). Meeting the Theological Challenges of the New Century. Retrieved from https://candler.emory.edu/news/connection/summer-2015/feature-stories/meeting-theological-challenges.html.