In addition to reading your Bible and praying every day, it's important to find a church, a collective of people who share your beliefs, and attend it regularly.
Before you leave this page, let me say, I understand that this is the hardest part of what we have talked about so far. You might be in a church but you don't feel at home there. You might have left a church because people said and did nasty things. You might be upset with me because so far I haven't said much about church, and you actually liked the previous post. Stay with me!
I want to apologize to you, sincerely and deeply, for the way you've been treated by the body of Christ. All churches have problems, some more than others. And not everyone who goes to church is a Christian; so miscommunications arise. Even among Christians, there is dissent over legalism and doctrine that sometimes leads to shaming and other unwarranted things that cause new believers to leave. I am sorry for the hurt that has been caused to you, and I want this chance to share with you what I think.
You can be a Christian and not attend church, but your experience of the faith will be limited and often challenged. If we go back to the analogy of the car crash, it's like waiting for the wounds to scab over, putting on some braces to help bones and then getting back into the car, but there are no brakes. In other words, it is easier to fall into trouble (sin) when you aren't surrounded by a loving community who sees themselves reflected in you, and loves through you.
Big words, you say. I'm going to romance you. Did you know that Jesus calls the church His bride? Together, we make up the body of Christ. Each church is equipped with all the different body parts (roles and functions people play), and you are part of this plan too. Once you make the decision to live for Christ, there is more to it. Not only are you living a new life in Him, but you are also working towards loving His people (read that as ALL people).
Church is designed to charge your battery for the week. You go there to join others in praising God through music. The Bible tells us that we will be spending eternity praising God, and the act of worshipping Him now not only teaches our spirit how to reach out to Him, but also creates an imprint that will make it easier to cultivate the presence of God when you need Him. A couple of things about church:
1) Find a church that you are comfortable in, and feel like you connect to the people. It is crucial that you develop relationships with other believers. They will help you and you will help them through the various challenges of life. (I know... this is easier said that done. But the only way to find it is to do your research, talk to other Christians, and get out to visit these places.)
2) Make sure it is a place where you feel comfortable worshipping, singing, praying and asking for prayer. Somehow along the way, you may have to trust fall into these people with things that are bigger than you. I can't tell you how many people are sick and could have been healed, but fear to step out and ask for prayer. Don't let that be you.
3) Give the benefit of the doubt to those around you... it's hard to get to know people, and not everyone is an extrovert. Making friends is a skill we learn in kindergarten and then forget that we have it. Especially as adults, it seems so hard to befriend others and make ourselves vulnerable to possible rejection. Believe the best of people, and put your faith in God that He will draw the right ones to you.
Together, we are better. Our desire should be not to survive this life following Christ, but instead to prevail. God has promised us that He can give us an abundant and fulfilling life. You are meant to be loved and to love others. This deeper experience will enrich your walk with Christ.