Believing and Belonging

Having always been inclined to express my individuality, I have struggled to understand a society and culture where groupthink is not only expected but also required.

The need to be a part of the group is one I share with everyone, yet I will not compromise my convictions to do so. This need to belong is real, and the willingness to stand out comes with risk; however, the desire to go along to get along also carries risks of its own.

At the heart of compromise is the fear that being an individual means we will be left alone and wanting unless we conform.

This is a distinct possibility and one that many are not willing to risk.

For those like me, though, it is important to belong and to fit in. It is not as important as my need to stand up for what I believe is right and true. This could be a byproduct of my upbringing, but I think it has more to do with my faith.

At this point in life, the belief that I can stand my ground in the face of adversity, the loss of influence and authority, is more important to me than that influence and authority.

The fact that this can isolate me is indisputable, but the personal isolation I feel when I compromise what I believe to be true is worse.

Why?

It is because my faith guides my life and serves as the cornerstone of my existence. My convictions are rooted there and define who I am and what I believe in. The cost of compromising what I believe is true is far less important to me than standing up for those beliefs.

If we cannot stand by what we believe, then our belief has no substance, and our faith has no merit.

When faced with a choice between “believing and belonging”, I will always choose believing. This doesn’t mean I don't wish to belong; it just means I want others to see how much what I believe means to me.

In turn, it may be what someone else needs to see to find their own faith.

1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”