"What would people say:
She’s done this and that and now she pretends to be all good.
He’s trying to sell us something.
Who does he think he is.
She’s gone crazy, she’s one of those.
Oh, no we won’t hear the end of it.
She thinks we are bad people.
He thinks she’s better than us.
He’s never gonna make it in business now."
"These questions make me to withhold myself until I figure out how to show up online.
Should I be talking about my new passion, my joy, or my difficult journey to finding faith?"
Yes, me too!
"I feel like a newbie.
I don’t know the Bible.
I’m not sure how I supposed to be or talk or act.
I see how wrong I had been about many things I was confidently teaching before. I feel like I’m fake now. Or that all I had done is invalid and I want to hide it and erase it all.
I don’t know how to approach my past books, teachings, video channel, my business.
Everything needs to be changed to be right or should I just close it dow?.
But then I don’t have a business and my livelihood.
I was extremely good at my work but now I doubt myself because I’m unsure whether my gifts and my ideas were heretical and can do harm.
I’m shocked at what I said before, how new age my beliefs were and it goes against the traditional Christian beliefs.
I feel I will be caught and told I am wrong and then I have to justify and prove myself.
I am scared of public humiliation and especially being accused of dishonesty, not having integrity, being superficial.
I don’t know how to deal with charging high fees for my services. It seems like I am greedy and ungodly. I don’t know anything about being a good Christian and at the same time good at making money.
So I stall and do free work while feeling shy about asking for money or marketing my business.
May be I am sabotaging myself and I am actually destroying my business?
I feel unsure and my voice is trembling and is quiet, I come across as nervous and perhaps insecure and doubting my statement.
I feel like I have to apologize about my beliefs. I forgot how to be politicly correct.
I am very excited about Jesus and want to constantly talk about it an share my revelations, but I don’t want to be the ‘preacher’ from above or an annoying Christian lady people will avoid or laugh at.
While I am passionate about Jesus, I feel people judge me. They would support my aspirations if I had a unrealistic business dream or success ambition, but being so thrilled about Jesus, God and Holy Spirit seems unacceptable.
I feel I have to censor myself when I speak to general public and people out there, and part of me feels ashamed in front of God, like I’m betraying Him of I don’t speak about my beliefs.
I don’t know yet how to be a Christian and be ok with the evil and ungodly things happening in our society. Should I stand against it, speak up? Or should I be civil and let others figure it out.
I see how time flys by and I am not applying myself at full capacity because all of these unanswered questions.
I wish I knew how to be and what to do!
For now I check in with my bible, listen to the sermon, go to church and learn as much as I can.
I pray to God every day, three times a day to guide and lead me. I pray that He’s will will be done and not mine.
I trust in God and have faith it will get easier and I will become strong and confident in my faith, being a Christian, being good. "
And, again, yes, me too, feeling all of that and more, having hundred questions and praying for the right answers and actions!
As a newbie Christian, I can relate to the fear and uncertainty that comes with making a major life change. People around me have started to question my motives and my authenticity, which makes it even more challenging to navigate my new journey.
It's difficult to know how to present myself online, especially when it comes to discussing my newfound faith. Should I share my struggles and doubts, or should I focus on the joy and peace that I've found in Jesus? I want to be genuine, but I also don't want to come across as preachy or judgmental.
One of the biggest challenges I face is reconciling my past with my present. I used to be confident in my beliefs and my teachings, but now I see how misguided and misinformed I was. It's hard not to feel like a fraud, like I've been deceiving people all along.
On top of that, I worry about how my business will be affected by my newfound faith. I used to charge high fees for my coaching services, but now I wonder if that's in line with Christian values. I feel torn between wanting to be successful and wanting to do what's right.
Despite all of these challenges, I am grateful for my faith and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I may not have all the answers, but I trust that God will lead me in the right direction. And even if people judge me or criticize me, I know that my identity is in Christ and not in what others think of me.
The dilemmas of a newbie Christian can be overwhelming and discouraging, but it's important to remember that everyone has to start somewhere. One practical step is to find a mentor or a trusted friend who can guide you through this new journey.
It's understandable to feel ashamed of your past beliefs and teachings, but it's important to remember that it's not too late to make things right. Consider addressing any mistakes or misunderstandings in a humble and honest way, and be open to learning from others.
When it comes to your business, don't be afraid to infuse your faith into your work. Use your platform to spread positivity and inspire others, and don't feel guilty about charging fair prices for your services. Remember, being a Christian doesn't mean you can't be successful in your career.
As for speaking up about societal issues, it's important to be respectful and empathetic, but also stand firm in your beliefs. Remember to pray for guidance and wisdom, and trust that God will lead you in the right direction.
Finally, don't forget to give yourself grace and patience in this new journey. It's okay to make mistakes and stumble along the way. Keep seeking God and His guidance, and you will become stronger and more confident in your faith as time goes on.
Here are stories of Sarah, Samantha and John, all having questions about faith, business, social interactions and norms.
As Sarah scrolled through her social media feed, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease creeping up on her. She had recently become a Christian, and although her heart was filled with joy and newfound passion, her mind was cluttered with doubts and insecurities.
"What would people say?" she thought, recalling the possible criticisms that could be hurled her way. "She's trying to sell us something. Who does she think she is? She's gone crazy, she's one of those." The fear of being judged and ridiculed made her hesitant to share her new faith online.
As she wrestled with her thoughts, Sarah couldn't shake off the feeling that she was a newbie in the faith. "I don't know the Bible," she lamented. "I'm not sure how I'm supposed to be or talk or act." The weight of her past mistakes and beliefs she had previously held now made her feel like a fake. She wondered if she should just hide or erase her previous work, but she couldn't ignore the fact that her livelihood depended on it.
The same gifts and ideas that once made her excel in her work were now the source of her doubt. She wondered if they were heretical and could do harm. "I was extremely good at my work," she said to herself, "but now, I don't know if what I'm doing is right."
Sarah was shocked by the realization of how far her beliefs had strayed from traditional Christian beliefs. "I feel like I will be caught and told I am wrong," she thought. "And then I'll have to justify and prove myself." The fear of public humiliation and accusations of dishonesty or superficiality weighed heavily on her.
With a heavy heart, Sarah turned to her Bible and prayed for guidance. She knew that her journey towards becoming a confident and grounded Christian would not be an easy one, but she trusted in God's plan and held onto the hope that she would find her way.
Now here are some straightforward answers to Sarah's doubts:
Dear Sarah,
Congratulations on your newfound faith and the passion that fills your heart. It's natural to feel hesitant and uncertain about sharing your beliefs online, especially in a world where people are quick to judge and criticize. But I want to remind you that the only opinion that truly matters is God's. He knows your heart and your intentions, and He is proud of you for taking this step towards Him.
When it comes to social media, remember that you have the power to control what you share and how you share it. Use your words to uplift and inspire others, and speak from your own personal experience. Share your journey with authenticity and vulnerability, and don't worry about what others may think or say. It's okay to be a newbie in the faith, we all start somewhere.
As for your past work and gifts, don't be quick to erase them. Instead, use them as a platform to share your newfound beliefs and how they have transformed your life. You can also use your talents and skills to spread positivity and share the love of God with others.
Finally, it's important to change your mindset around caring about what others think. Remember that you are living for an audience of One, and it's okay to prioritize God's opinion over others. Focus on building a strong foundation in your faith and let that guide your actions and decisions. Surround yourself with a community of fellow believers who can support and encourage you on this journey.
Some practical exercises or tips that could help you build confidence in your faith could be finding a mentor or accountability partner who can help guide you in your faith, join a small group at your church to grow in your faith and make connections with other Christians, and spend time each day reading the Bible and praying to God.
Remember, this is a journey and it's okay to take it one step at a time. Keep seeking God and His guidance, and He will lead you towards the path He has set for you. You are capable, worthy, and loved.
Blessings on your journey!"
Samantha sat nervously in her studio, staring at a blank canvas. She had been struggling with a dilemma for weeks, and it seemed like there was no easy answer. She was a new Christian, and she had recently started her own business. But she didn't know how to reconcile her faith with her desire to make money.
"I don't know how to deal with charging high fees for my services," she muttered to herself. "It seems like I am greedy and ungodly."
Samantha had always been good at what she did, but she felt guilty about charging people for her work. She had started doing free work, hoping that it would help her gain some traction in the market, but it wasn't working. Her business was stagnant, and she was struggling to make ends meet.
"Maybe I am sabotaging myself," she thought. "Maybe I am actually destroying my business."
She felt unsure and insecure about her beliefs. She was excited about Jesus and wanted to share her revelations, but she didn't want to come across as a pushy preacher. She wanted to be politically correct and not offend anyone.
"I forgot how to be politically correct," she whispered to herself. "I feel like I have to apologize about my beliefs."
Samantha's voice trembled as she spoke. She felt like people judged her for being so excited about Jesus. They would support her if she had a more "realistic" business dream or success ambition, but being so thrilled about God and the Holy Spirit seemed unacceptable.
"I don't know anything about being a good Christian and a good business person," she thought. "I don't know how to balance the two."
Samantha was filled with emotional turmoil. She wanted to make money and be successful, but she also wanted to honor her faith. She didn't know how to do both, and it was tearing her apart inside.
Here's our answer to Samatha:
Samantha, it's understandable that you feel torn between your desire to succeed in your business and your commitment to your faith. However, it's important to remember that there is nothing inherently wrong with making money or being successful as a Christian. In fact, there are many examples in the Bible of successful businessmen and women, such as Joseph and Lydia.
In terms of charging high fees for your services, it's important to remember that your work has value and that it's okay to charge what you're worth. The Bible encourages us to work hard and to do everything with excellence, and this includes running a successful business. As Jesus said in Luke 10:7, "The worker deserves his wages."
As for sharing your faith in your business, there are ways to do it without being pushy or offensive. You can simply incorporate your beliefs into the way you conduct yourself and your business, such as treating your clients with kindness and respect, being honest and transparent, and giving back to your community. You can also seek guidance from other Christian business owners or leaders who have successfully navigated these same challenges.
In terms of finding your voice as a speaker, it's important to remember that God has given you unique gifts and talents that are meant to be shared with others. You don't have to apologize for your excitement about Jesus, but it's important to approach your speaking engagements with humility and a desire to serve others. Practice speaking in front of friends and family, and seek feedback to help you improve.
Finally, it's important to remember that you don't have to work exclusively with Christians. In fact, Jesus himself spent time with and ministered to people of all backgrounds and beliefs. As long as you conduct yourself with integrity and honor your faith, you can help others regardless of their religious beliefs. Don't be afraid to embrace your success and use it as a platform to spread God's love and message.
John had an important email to send, but he couldn't seem to find the right words. Every sentence he typed felt wrong, like he was betraying his beliefs in some way.
He had always been a professional man, focused on his career and achieving success. But since he had become a Christian, everything had changed.
He found himself questioning everything he did, wondering if it was in line with his faith. He blamed his uncertainty on going through a midlife crisis.
For the first time in his life, now he turned 50, he felt like he had to censor himself when speaking to the general public, afraid of being judged for his beliefs. But at the same time, he felt ashamed in front of God if he didn't speak about them.
The world was filled with evil and ungodly things, and John didn't know how to deal with it. Should he stand up against it and speak out, or should he remain civil and let others figure it out?
Time was passing by, and he felt like he wasn't applying himself to his full capacity. He wished he knew how to be a Christian and be okay with the world around him.
But he didn't give up. He checked in with his Bible, listened to sermons, and went to church to learn as much as he could. He prayed to God every day, three times a day, asking for guidance and for God's will to be done.
John trusted in God and had faith that it would get easier. He would become stronger and more confident in his faith, knowing how to be a Christian and still be successful in his professional life.
We understand your pain more than you think!
Dear John,
I am sorry to hear that you are going through a difficult time as you struggle to reconcile your faith with your professional life. I can understand how challenging it must be to find the right words to express yourself in a way that feels true to your beliefs, while also navigating the expectations of your job.
It's natural to feel uncertain and to question everything you do when you are going through a significant life change, such as becoming a Christian. It takes time to integrate your new beliefs into your everyday life fully, and it's important to be patient with yourself as you learn and grow.
I want to encourage you to stay true to your values and beliefs, even if it feels uncomfortable or challenging at times. Remember that being a Christian is about living a life that is pleasing to God and being a light to the world. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it.
It's understandable that you may feel hesitant to speak out and be judged for your beliefs, but remember that God is with you and will give you the strength and courage you need to stand up for what you believe in. Don't be afraid to let your light shine, even in the midst of darkness.
I'm glad to hear that you are staying connected to God through reading your Bible, attending church, and praying. Keep doing these things, and trust that God will guide you as you seek to live a life that is in line with His will.
Remember that faith and success are not mutually exclusive. With God's help, you can be successful in your professional life while also living a life that honors Him. Keep trusting in Him, and He will make your path clear.
Remember to trust in God and His plan for your life. He will guide you through this midlife crisis and help you to find your purpose. Keep seeking Him, reading His Word, and praying for guidance.
You are not alone in this journey, and with God's help, you can navigate through this difficult time and come out stronger and more confident in your faith.
So here are some practical tips to get over the dilemmas you have as a newbie Christian and help get on with your work.
Understanding the relationship between faith and reason:
Sometimes, people feel like they have to choose between faith and reason. However, this is a false dilemma. Faith and reason can work together, and in fact, they often complement each other. You can read about Christian thinkers who have wrestled with these questions, such as Blaise Pascal and C.S. Lewis. He can also look into apologetics resources that address common objections to Christianity, such as Ravi Zacharias' ministry.
Studying the lives of successful Christians:
There are many examples of Christians who have been successful in their professional lives while also remaining faithful to God. For instance, Tim Keller is a successful pastor and author who has written many books on Christianity, and he has also given lectures at universities and business conferences. You can read about the lives of people like Keller to see how they have navigated the challenges of living as a Christian in the workplace.
Building relationships with other Christians:
Sometimes, it can feel lonely to be a Christian in a non-Christian environment. However, you can seek out other Christians who are also struggling with similar questions. You can attend Bible studies or small groups at his church, or you can join online communities of Christians who are trying to live out their faith in the workplace.
Understanding the biblical perspective on success:
Sometimes, people equate success with money, power, and prestige. However, the Bible offers a different perspective on success. For instance, Jesus taught that the first shall be last, and the last shall be first. He also said that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. You can read the Bible and pray for wisdom to understand what true success looks like from a biblical perspective.
Recognizing that faith is a journey:
Finally, it's important to remember that faith is a journey, not a destination. It's okay to have questions and doubts, and it's okay to make mistakes. What matters is that he continues to seek God's will and trust in His guidance. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
MAY 17, 2023 HEAL THROUGH FAITH CONFERENCE
Balancing Faith & Business: Navigating Challenges
and Finding Purpose in a Secular World
Join us for our Heal Through Faith Conference as a panelist and watch our live discussions. Our mission is to guide intellectuals lost in spirituality, activism, and materialism, to find hope and purpose through faith. As someone who understands this struggle, we believe your unique perspective will make a valuable contribution to our discussions.
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