Why do I get bored? Doesn’t being a Christian sound boring to unbelievers?

Hebrews 6:11-12Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.

Being a Christian can seem boring to many: “Don’t do this; you can’t do that.” But those who grasp what the Christian life is all about find it full and exciting. When you realize that almighty God wants to work through you to accomplish his work in the world, you will be amazed to discover the grand purpose God has in store for you. Focus on using and developing your God-given gifts, and remember the eternal rewards God promises to believers, and your life will feel ever more meaningful. If you become bored in your Christian life, ask yourself: Am I making myself available to God and asking him to pour his blessings through me to others?

You will become most bored when you lose hope that God will fulfill his purposes for you. It is hope that enables you to press on even when life gets difficult and tedious.

1 Timothy 4:13-16Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

There are two approaches to a challenge that are sure to produce eventual boredom: aiming at nothing and aiming at perfection. The apostle Paul instructed Timothy instead to aim at progress as he engaged fully in the tasks God set before him. Making progress may involve great success one day and not much the next, but even some real progress will be noticed by others. Paul’s final words are a significant antidote to boredom: Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of others. The way that leads to eternal life is not boring.