Pastor Courage Igene on How One Can Keep the Faith in A Society of Non-Believers

In today’s world, it’s harder than ever to say you’re a Christian.
In the 20th century, the church was a much more centralized part of life, but society has moved away from it on a more independent path.
With a seemingly increasing number of naysayers and doubters watching the Christian community under a microscope, ready to jump on any faults in logic or behavior, this can be a genuine challenge to your faith.

Even knowing that God’s love for us is both unwavering and unconditional, that doesn’t mean the road is easy, and often the values we express outwards are not reflected back, no matter how genuine they are. Pastor Courage Igene has some words on how we can keep our faith in a society of non-believers.

Being Part of a Community

One of the most important things to understand about the world we live in is the fact that human beings are designed to be in community with one another. Any sort of isolation, if unchecked, becomes detrimental and potentially unhealthy. Just as Jesus surrounded himself with people wherever he went and fostered a strong community of disciples, the modern Christian community reflects this: It’s one of the strongest of communities of all, providing unconditional love to everyone just as God would.

Within this unconditional love also lies the notion of support. When times are tough, it’s never a bad idea to lean into the support of your brothers and sisters in Christ; as the bible says, “Iron Sharpens Iron” (Proverbs 27:17), and you were never meant to go it alone as a Christian.

Realizing That You Are Needed

Something else that’s all too easy to forget in times of hardship is remembering that we are “Fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). As an individual, you were created by God, in His image, to be worthwhile exactly as you are; you don’t need to pretend to be someone else. God needs you, the individual that you are, to share His unconditional love with the world. Time and time again, he’s proven that it doesn’t matter who, he use anyone for his good works.

The body of Christ, the Christian community, is made up of many, many people, and sometimes we can forget our own essentiality when we can’t see the big picture as clearly as God can. But make no mistake: As a believer in Christ, there are more than a few people counting on you, from your fellow Christians to those God is still trying to reach out to. Take pride in knowing that you are part of his outreach, and that you fit perfectly in His plans.

Understanding That Hardship Is Part of The Journey

Lastly, you need to remember that the path you walk as a Christian is the narrow road (Matthew 7:13–14). It’s a hard path, and just because you’re experiencing hardship does not mean that you’ve done something wrong, that God is punishing you. Just like how the hammer is forged in fire, we have to be aware of the trials that are shaping us. Jesus said many times it would be hard, but it’s worth seeing the journey through to the end, for the sake of every individual’s life you can touch.

Pastor Courage Igene is the founder and President of All Nations Church. Bringing people to God is his life’s passion, and he wants to share it with as many people as possible. Providing spiritual guidance and prayer for those in need, his goal is to empower them with blessings and positivity.