Raw Christianity: Embracing the Fullness Within

Have you ever felt like your faith was a constant struggle between flexibility and rigidity? Like you're trying to balance being open to the Holy Spirit's leading while standing firm on God's Word? This tension is at the heart of what we might call "raw Christianity" - a faith that is both adaptable and unshakeable.

The apostle Paul captured this paradox beautifully in 1 Corinthians 3:9, describing believers as both God's field and God's building. As a field, we are exposed to the elements, flexible and free to be led by the Spirit. As a building, we are immovable and unshakable in our commitment to God's truth. This duality challenges us to embrace both aspects of our spiritual identity.

But here's where many of us get tripped up: we often approach our faith as if God is holding back, only giving us small doses of His power and presence as we prove ourselves worthy. We treat Christianity like a gradual climb, hoping to eventually reach some spiritual pinnacle where we'll finally be entrusted with the "keys to the kingdom."

The revolutionary truth is that God has already given us everything. The moment we put our faith in Christ, we received "everything pertaining to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). The fullness of Christ already dwells within us! Our journey of discipleship isn't about earning more from God, but about discovering and walking in what He has already freely given.

This shift in perspective changes everything. Instead of begging God for breakthroughs, we can thank Him for what He's already accomplished. Rather than constantly asking for His presence, we can acknowledge that He's always with us. Our prayers become less about getting God to do something and more about aligning ourselves with what He's already done.

Consider how Jesus approached prayer. When He stood before Lazarus' tomb, He didn't plead with God to raise His friend. Instead, He simply said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me" (John 11:41). Jesus operated from a place of confident assurance in His relationship with the Father and His authority as God's Son.

We're called to the same kind of faith. Mark 11:22-24 gives us a powerful formula for prayer:

1. Speak to your mountain (the obstacle or need you're facing)
2. Don't doubt in your heart
3. Believe that you have already received what you're asking for

This isn't about positive thinking or wishful imagination. It's about aligning our hearts and minds with the spiritual reality of what Christ has accomplished. We're not trying to convince God to act; we're positioning ourselves to receive and walk in what He's already provided.

Of course, this kind of faith doesn't come naturally to most of us. We're bombarded by messages of scarcity, unworthiness, and powerlessness. The enemy's primary tactic is deception - trying to convince us that we lack what God has already given. That's why it's crucial to renew our minds with God's Word and actively work to uproot seeds of unbelief.

Sometimes, when we find ourselves struggling to believe for something, the most productive prayer might be, "Lord, what needs to shift in me so that I can truly believe what you've said?" This process of aligning our souls with spiritual truth is at the heart of discipleship. It may take time, but it's worth the investment.

As we grow in this "raw Christianity," we'll find ourselves praying differently. Instead of constantly asking God to do things, we'll spend more time thanking Him for what He's already done. We'll speak to our circumstances with authority, knowing that the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11).

This doesn't mean we stop asking altogether. James 1:6 encourages us to ask in faith, without doubting. But our asking comes from a place of confidence in God's goodness and the finished work of Christ, not from a place of desperation or uncertainty.

Embracing this truth also changes how we view challenges and setbacks. Nothing happens to us; everything happens for us (Romans 8:28). We're not victims of circumstance but more than conquerors through Christ (Romans 8:37). Even when things look bleak, we can stand firm knowing that God is working all things for our good.

Living out this raw, unfiltered faith requires courage. It means stepping out and using the authority Christ has given us, even when we don't feel fully prepared. It means speaking to our mountains, commanding sickness to leave, and believing for the impossible. And yes, sometimes it means making mistakes as we learn to handle the incredible power God has entrusted to us.

But here's the beautiful thing: God is patient with us as we grow. He's not waiting for us to get everything perfect before He can use us. He's inviting us to step out in faith, to take risks, and to believe Him for big things. He's given us permission to start revivals He never explicitly called us to, trusting that as we step out, He'll guide and refine our efforts.

So, let's embrace this raw Christianity. Let's acknowledge the fullness of Christ within us and learn to operate from that place of spiritual abundance. Let's thank God for what He's already done and position ourselves to see His power manifest in our lives and in the world around us.

As we do, we'll find ourselves transformed. The power of performance-based religion will break off, replaced by the liberating truth of God's grace. We'll become living proof of what God has accomplished, walking testimonies of His goodness and power.
This is the Christianity that changes the world - not polished and perfect, but raw, real, and overflowing with the life of God. Are you ready to embrace it?