Last updated on October 7th, 2024 at 07:43 am
Becoming a Christian is a life-changing decision. Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is the most important choice you’ll ever make, but there are things I wish I had known before starting this journey. It’s not just about accepting Jesus—it’s about understanding the dynamics of being part of a church, the spiritual battles, and the personal growth that follows. Here are 7 things I wish I had known before I became a Christian.
1. Christians Are Not Superhuman
Proverbs 24:16 – “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.”
The world often holds an unrealistic and critical view of Christians, expecting them to be perfect. This same perception can creep into our own expectations when we first join the church. However, Christians are far from perfect. The church is often referred to as a “hospital for sinners,” and this analogy is accurate.
Joining the church doesn’t mean that everyone you meet is holy or has it all together. People are on different parts of their journey with God, and we all have struggles. It’s essential to remember that we are all sinners saved by grace, and the church should be a place where it’s safe to be vulnerable and allow Christ to work on us.
2. Pastors Are People Too
2 Samuel 11:2 – “One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof, he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful.”
Many people place pastors and church leaders on pedestals, almost viewing them as infallible. But pastors are human, too, and they face the same struggles and temptations as everyone else. Just because they hold leadership positions doesn’t mean they are immune to weakness.
Even King David, described as a man after God’s own heart, fell into temptation and sinned. It’s important to have grace for church leaders, recognizing that they are also on their own spiritual journey. The expectation of perfection can lead to disappointment, and it’s healthier to remember that God works through broken vessels, including pastors.
3. He Saved My Soul, Not My Heart Instantly
Psalm 116:8 – “For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.”
When I first accepted Christ, I had unrealistic expectations of immediate transformation. I thought that becoming a Christian meant that my heart would instantly be free from all sinful desires and struggles. While I have heard stories of people being delivered from addictions or bad habits overnight, that wasn’t my experience, and it’s not for many others.
Salvation is just the beginning of a lifelong process. Sanctification—the process of becoming more like Christ—takes time. We are all works in progress, and God works on each of us at different paces. As Philippians 1:6 says, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
4. There Are Wolves Among the Sheep
Matthew 7:15 – “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that not everyone who claims to be a Christian or a man of God truly follows Jesus. The Bible warns us about false prophets—people who appear to be godly but have ulterior motives. Just because someone can perform miracles or prophesy doesn’t mean they are genuinely following Christ.
Matthew 7:22 says, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’” It’s crucial to be vigilant and to test the teachings and behaviors of leaders against the scriptures. Acts 17:11 encourages believers to “examine the scriptures every day to see if what [they] said was true.” Not every spiritual leader has your best interests at heart, so it’s important to remain discerning.
5. The Church Is Like a Hospital
Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
I used to believe that everyone in church was pursuing God with the same intensity, but the truth is, just like in a hospital, people come to church at different stages of their spiritual journey. Some are healed, while others are still seeking treatment.
Not every person in the church is chasing after Christ, and some may still be struggling with worldly things. Just as patients in a hospital recover at different speeds, so do Christians as they grow in faith. This realization has made it easier for me to be gracious toward others and recognize that we are all in need of a Savior, walking different paths toward Him.
6. Serving God Isn’t Always Easy
Luke 9:23 – “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’”
One of the things I wish I had known is that serving God isn’t always comfortable. Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior is the beginning of a new life, but it doesn’t mean life becomes free of challenges. In fact, Jesus tells us that we must take up our cross daily if we want to follow Him.
There will be sacrifices, and you might face rejection or opposition, even from family and friends. However, this journey is rewarding. Through the trials, God refines us, and our faith grows deeper. Trusting Him through the hard times leads to spiritual maturity and a closer relationship with Him.
7. It’s About a Relationship, Not Just Religion
John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
One of the most critical things I wish I had known is that Christianity is more than just following a set of religious rules. It’s about having a personal relationship with God. Many people, including myself when I first became a Christian, focus on doing all the “right” things—attending church, reading the Bible, praying regularly—but they miss out on the depth of intimacy with God that comes from genuinely walking with Him.
Christianity isn’t about ticking off religious boxes; it’s about remaining connected to Jesus, the true vine. Through that connection, we bear fruit, grow spiritually, and live out our faith authentically. Don’t just focus on religious practices—invest in your relationship with God, spend time with Him, and invite Him into every area of your life.
Conclusion
Starting your journey with Christ is the most significant decision you’ll ever make. However, understanding the realities of Christian life can help set realistic expectations and prepare you for the challenges ahead. Christians are not perfect, and the church is a place for healing and growth. There will be moments of trial, and it’s essential to remain vigilant and discerning. Most importantly, remember that Christianity is about a personal relationship with God—nurture that connection, and you’ll experience His presence and guidance in every aspect of your life.
If you haven’t accepted Jesus into your life yet, it’s never too late. He is ready to welcome you with open arms, no matter your past. To learn more about how to start your journey with Christ, I recommend reading my post: What Must I Do to Be Saved?
