Every human being has an innate desire to belong. It’s in our very nature to desire fellowship and companions. We love fitting in with our own special groups, our ‘people’. Whether it be your friend groups, your family, fellow choir or band kids, or just friends online, you probably have a place where you feel like you belong. And this isn’t inherently a bad thing–it’s actually very natural. But I want to call your attention to a specific point. Once we find that niche, that place where we belong, we start to identify as a part of that group. Maybe you’re a writer, and you’re part of a writing community with kids your age. Or maybe you’re in your school’s band with most or all of your friends. The thought process then becomes, “This is my place. These are my people,” and we begin to focus all of our attention on spending time and fitting in with that group. And again, I’d like to repeat–this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can certainly become a bad thing, but in moderation, fitting in and having your own ‘group’ is perfectly right and completely natural. It’s how human beings work! But what happens when we begin to focus too much of our attention on identifying as parts of these groups? 

God never wanted His people to define themselves by something temporal. He has always, since the beginning of time, asked us to define ourselves by our relationship with Him. Think of the Old Testament. God wanted the Jews to stand out from the people surrounding them. He wanted them to be different. And now, after the Crucifixion, He still asks us to be distinct from those around us and shine His light in the world. Imagine what we could do if being a Christian was as much a part of our focus as being in musical theater or playing football. Imagine the things we could change. 

We would be limitless. 

So how do we give ourselves more fully to our faith? What are the things we’re asked to focus on in order to maintain a relationship with God and shine His light to those around us? To use my previous examples, think of it like rehearsing for a play or doing drills to prepare for a big game. What are the things that we can do right now, whatever our situation in life, to commit more of ourselves to our faith? 

Serve the Poor

God continually asks us to care for the poor in our community. He has a special place in His heart for those with nothing, who have nobody to turn to for help. “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.” (Psalm 34:6). “He who oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him.” (Proverbs 14:31). “Open your mouth for the dumb, for the rights of all who are left desolate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, maintain the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9). 

All of us can find some way to serve the poor, no matter where we are. Maybe there’s a soup kitchen near where you live, or your church is taking up an offering for a marginalized community. Simply look around–you might be surprised at the opportunities you’ll find. And if your situation in life truly doesn’t support volunteering or giving money, try to find some time to pray for the poor and those who work with them. Those prayers will do more than you can possibly imagine, and they are another way that you can give your time in service to those in need. 

Evangelize to Nonbelievers

This point is made pretty clear by Jesus’ commission to His Disciples. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20). 

Jesus commands us to call all people to Christ. And this doesn’t mean that you have to go door-to-door or debate atheists on their faith at every given opportunity. One of the best kinds of evangelization is simply showing Christ to others through your actions. You might be getting sick of hearing me say that, but the more you hear it, the more it will stick. As William Thoms said, “Be careful how you live; you will be the only Bible some people ever read.” Our example does more to evangelize than we might ever know. So when we focus on evangelizing, we should think less about winning arguments, and more about how we can be a light through our actions. 

Grow in Relationship with Him

“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you men of double mind.” (James 4:8). 

If we want to live as Christ’s disciples, we must first live in relationship with Him. You can’t teach very well about something you don’t know or don’t believe in. Christ wants us to have full, complete faiths. He doesn’t want us to be lukewarm, indifferent about our faiths and simply keeping one foot in the door ‘just in case’ Christianity can help us farther down the road. 

No, He wants full commitment. He wants our love, and in return, He pours out His own love and graces down upon us. So how do we love Him more fully? The same way we’d grow to love a family member or a friend. We grow in relationship with Him, learn more about Him, and spend time with Him. We give Him our time and attention, because He has never once taken His attention away from us. 

Make it a point to attend church at least once a week. Set aside a specific time for prayer each day. Try an examination of conscience (it’s a Catholic thing, but it could be helpful for anyone to keep an eye on what sins might be cropping up in your life). Give God time and space to work in your life, and you can grow in relationship with Him. 

Imagine the Possibilities

Our generation is limitless. 

Think of all the promises we have from the Father. We can do all things in Christ Who strengthens us. If our faith is the size of a mustard seed, it can move mountains. Our generations will do greater works than Christ Himself did. There is so much potential for God to work through us, even in our everyday lives. Maybe we just need to give Him that opportunity. Imagine what we could do if we focused more of our time on fully belonging to Christ. If our generation united together under Christ, there would literally be nothing we couldn’t achieve for His Kingdom. We’re the ones who set our limits. So let’s break them and change this world for Him.