From Obedience to Rebellion—and Back to Faith

I was fully immersed into baptism at the age of 19. Most importantly, I became a member of the Church of Christ congregation. Shortly after, my husband was baptized as well. Together, we were blessed with a strong spiritual foundation, guided by faithful members who encouraged us through Bible study, helped us understand the true meaning of salvation, and walked alongside us as we grew in Christ.

In our 20s, we lived what many would call a picture-perfect Christian life. We attended every service, every gospel meeting, and engaged in additional Bible classes outside of worship. We didn’t drink, we didn’t curse, and we didn’t go to clubs. Even words as small as “ass” never left our lips. We dressed modestly, always conscious of how we might be seen by our preacher or fellow Christians. I was determined to check every box of obedience—ready for judgment day at any given moment. But life changed dramatically when we entered our 30s.

A Season of Rebellion

Somewhere along the way, a subtle rebellion took root. We made friends outside of church. Slowly, our attendance at services faded until it stopped altogether. We began drinking, going to clubs, and indulging in everything we had once avoided. I started dressing to feel “sexy,” using revealing clothes and nightlife to fill a void I didn’t even fully understand.

Looking back, it felt like my husband, and I suddenly realized we had “missed out” on our youth, and in our 30s, we were trying to catch up with the rest of the world. But what looked like freedom only led to emptiness.

Returning to the Basics

After 10+ years of chasing after temporary pleasures—and losing many of the so-called friends we had along the way—we came back to the one thing that never failed us: our faith in Jesus Christ. We realized that our marriage, our salvation, and our walk with the Lord were far more valuable than anything the world had to offer.

Today, we attend Community Christian Church in Tamarac, FL, where the Lord’s Supper is offered weekly, and worship is focused on Baptism. We’ve asked the Lord to forgive us for the wasted years, and we know without a doubt that His mercy covers us. The truth is, we had it right the first time. We allowed the world to distract us from what truly matters, and it left us broken and searching. 

However, we are not as strict as we used to be.  We have an occasional drink, dance to music we enjoy. We live in moderation. Try our best not to be perfect all the time because it’s simply impossible. We have to trust that the Lord’s blood has covered us, and we will always have the opportunity to ask for forgiveness and grow stronger in our Faith.

No amount of therapy, meditation, or medication could heal the ache in my soul. Only Jesus Christ could do that. Through every high and low, He has been the one constant Father, Friend, and Savior that has been with me the whole way. 

Was the rebellion worth it?  Not at all.

I went through those wasted years full of anger & hate.  I became a person I no longer recognized. I was gossiping, drinking until I threw up, hating on people for no real reason.  I did things I’m not proud of.  I went completely overboard. I was prideful and immature. I wish I could take it all back. Avoid the people I met. Avoid the parties I went to. Avoid the pain and drama I caused. So many fights and needless conversations took place and I take full responsibility. Worst of all - missing out on the people who did matter in my life.

You could say that the experience made me a stronger Christian and I can sort of agree. But to risk my Salvation for a little fun was a very risky move. To ruin my Faith and obedience could have all been avoided.  

I’m just so grateful that the Lord kept me safe the whole way so I can see the bigger picture.   

I think at the end on day, most Christians need to give themselves a little grace.  We make mistakes. We do things that the Lord wouldn’t approve.  We look at our past and cringe.   Trying to be a perfect- sinless person is exhausting.  Trying to make a good impression to other Christians is unfair to yourself.  We are all struggling internally with our predicaments.  So why try to be perfect when your Brother in Christ is probably sinning worse than you? I am not saying that to sound judgmental. I’m saying we have ALL fallen short. So what are we trying to prove to one another?

In my humble opinion, this perfect Christian life attitude builds resentment.  The pressure can be overwhelming for most.  I think as a Christian we should serve the Lord as he commanded with basic common sense.   I’m not saying as a Christian you can commit obvious heinous acts.  We know we shouldn’t cheat, steal, murder….etc.  But we shouldn’t whip ourselves either for seeing an R rated movie. Every individual should evaluate their own Christian life.  If it makes you feel like you’re sinning, don’t do it.  But we all have been giving enough common sense to know what’s right and what’s wrong.

A Word of Encouragement

If you are struggling in your faith, know this: God is loving and forgiving. The world will try to pull you away, but you can always return to Him. If you have fallen, get back up. Confess your sins, accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and be fully immersed into Baptism. And if you are already Baptized but feel you’ve strayed, remember—Jesus is ready to forgive you, to bless you, and to welcome you back with open arms. Once the Lord has forgiven you, he forgets your sins completely. He will not hold them against you.  Come back and be forgiven.

As long as you are still breathing. It is never too late. 

Community Christian Church

10001 W Commercial Blvd, Tamarac, FL 33351

https://communitycc.com/