I Refuse to

I refuse to believe God didn't make this life to enjoy. Instead I look at the landscape- the mountains, the sunsets, the food we consume, the tiny lives we create, and I thank Him a thousand times. 

I refuse to believe that one sin is more tolerable than another in God's eyes. Instead I believe God sees us all equal and wants a relationship with us, no matter where we are at.

I refuse to believe gossip about others sins is acceptable. Instead I choose to look inward at my own journey and not at anyone elses. 

I refuse to use the term "unsaved" about any other human being, religion, or people group. Because I just don't have that right or power. I don't know where there hearts are. I don't know if they have a personal relationship with God and it's not my job to determine that.

I refuse to speak in "christian-ese" type terms so that I sound more holy. Instead I am real, open and honest. I will tell you that I struggle. I will tell you that I sin. Every single day. I will also tell you that it's ok to feel that way, because we all do. I will tell you that we have a God who gives more grace than we could ever need.  

I refuse to act like I am better than you  (christian-ese term=holier than thou). I'm not. It's that 

 simple.

I refuse to believe God makes our choices for us. However, I do believe He walks next to us, helping to carry our burdens when we ask. 

I strive to be real, open, honest. I strive to treat others with respect and love, no matter who they are or what they believe. 

I strive to love my God with all I can at each moment. To work on loving and respecting him more each and every day. To appreciating his creation, his sacrifice, and the life he has given to me. To showing others that love, because it's worth knowing about.