It is not uncommon that people nowadays randomly ask you about your background or religion. When you answer them, do you tell them you are Coptic Orthodox?
Believe it or not, till this day, many people still don’t know what and who are Coptic Orthodox Christians. The explanation is very simple. The word “Coptic” means Egyptian, and “orthodox” means traditional or original. Put both of these words together and you get “Original Egyptian”.
If you are anything like me, your parents introduced you to the church at a very young age, and planted this seed in you to come to church at least every Sunday, if not more than once a week for other services. Some people, if not most of the people around you, outside of the church, will find that weird and/or annoying. They’ll tell you that they only go to church on special occasions, if they go to church at all, and there’s nothing wrong with that. We don’t judge anyone and
we shouldn’t think we’re better than anyone for the difference in our lifestyle. But this is where it’s starts getting difficult;
As the years go by and you start entering your teenage years, where you begin to get a little more freedom, it will become harder and harder for you to stay committed to the church. From friends asking you to go out, to homework or assignments for school, or even to work, life starts kicking into gear, and you start to fade away from the church. Some people might even try to tell you that going to church is just a waste of time. It’s long hours of prayer, and strict fasting throughout the year, why bother? Believe me when I tell you, that those same people, will respect you and get inspired by your commitment to the church, if you stay strong and set ground rules with them. They will understand that going to church is part of your lifestyle and they will respect that. Also, from your commitment, they may wonder and get intrigued about our church. At that point you can invite them to the church for an event once, slowly introduce them into the open arm of the church. If they liked it to the point that they want to come again, by all means, everyone is welcome. If not, do not pressure them. You have done your part by being a witness and the light of God.
This little article is to try and remind you and myself that life does get difficult at times, but it’s important to hold our ground and stay committed to the church, or at least find a way in which we can maintain a spiritual connection with God.
I will leave you with two of my favorite verses that are applicable everyday in our lives;
- “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33
- “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”
(Matthew 10:33)