Sound The Alarm

I love the church. From the time I was born, I was in church. You would find me somewhere on the church property every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. It was never a question or a thought whether I would be there. I just knew I would; it's what my family did. I loved the routine, and the friendships formed during that time helped shape me into who I was becoming. I decided to follow Christ at the age of six.

Growing up, some would define me as a good girl: A hard-working, thoughtful, and lively Christian girl. I was the one who never quite fit in with one particular crowd at school but always felt right at home at church. I could rattle off verses and books of the Bible like they were going out of style. I was your girl if you needed someone to carry the conversation in a small group setting.

My love for the church grew as I entered my teenage era, thanks to an incredible youth pastor. I was eager to go every week. I was hungry to learn more about the Bible. I went on mission trips, served within my community, played the violin in the worship band, and worked at a Christian camp. From an outsider's perspective, I was on fire for the Lord, and in many ways, I was.

It was at camp when I realized I was lacking something. I had the head knowledge. I knew all the right things to say and do but was lacking something essential: heart knowledge. Friends, this may be one of the most dangerous things about growing up in the church. I was taught from an early age how to believe in the Lord, but it wasn't until I was surrounded by others who were truly on fire for Him that I realized my relationship with God wasn't quite as good as I thought it was. It wasn't much of a relationship at all. I was asleep at the wheel.

Ephesians 5:14-16 - "For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil."

My first summer serving at that camp was when I came alive in Christ. I woke up, and when I did, I didn't look back. It was as if the blinders came off my eyes, and suddenly, I could see. Things were different, and I embraced it. Coming alive in Christ meant losing some friends along the way. Rededicating my life meant not just going to church to check a box. My faith became real that summer, and thank goodness it did because I had a long and challenging road ahead of me.

You may be reading this, and my words are resonating with you. Maybe you, too, have been asleep at the wheel and going to church because you know it's the right thing to do. If this is you, I am sounding the alarm. It's time to snap out of it. Wake up, friend! God has more for you than to let this life idly pass you by. He has created you on purpose for a purpose. That purpose will be much more challenging if you are asleep at the wheel.

Recognizing and accepting that all the head knowledge about Christ would not equate to a relationship was something that caught me by surprise. I didn't know I lacked anything until I couldn't unsee it. I pray that God will shine a light on what keeps you on autopilot and that you will come alive in a way you have never experienced before. You will have a hunger and thirst that can only be quenched by our Heavenly Father.

More From Valerie McNulty