Some of my friends “deconstructed” their faith to a non exist one because they believed some goofy stuff from the jump. Theology I told them then and tell them now was goofy. They pulled on the thread of said goofy theology and the whole thing came apart.

They basically threw the baby out with the bath water. So certain of secondary non essential beliefs that had little to do with what the early church believed. I always questioned and pushed back. Almost 18 years later I havent had a mid faith crisis lol. Still walking with Jesus

It’s not “they were wrong” or I was right. It’s that I always focused on maintaining a very simple faith. One that didn’t flippantly throw the word “heretic” around. One that didnt Only binge on one point of view. One that didn’t build its financial support on the church system.

It won’t take long for questions to rise up if ones actively Building one’s livelihood on churchanity. That will let you down. Whether on social issues. Or hard questions. Or just being too much like the world. In hindsight I’m so grateful. Grateful I wasn’t in the “in crowd” https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😀" title="Grinsendes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Grinsendes Gesicht">

Moral of the story. Follow God. But when it comes to faith, career, finances, do it HIS way but make sure it isn’t being tainted by mans views or systems. Carve out your own. Be willing to be wrong. To be left behind. To be dismissed. To be on the outside. That’ll build grit.

Grit is what’s required to run the race. Adversity is what builds character. Not comfort. Not acceptance.

Im accepted and celebrated amongst most of my peers now. Only good things to say. But I wasn’t. I was gossiped and slandered. And I took it on the chin & loved regardless