We can sometimes overthink the Christian life—especially when we’re anxious. A new Christian who worries his prayers don’t have spiritual depth may neglect prayer (at least in public), but this stunts his growth. A seasoned believer who’s concerned about our culture’s moral decay may be tempted to isolate herself from the world, but this inhibits her witness. 

We shouldn’t let anxiety lead us to inaction. That’s why I found Dylan Musser’s testimony so encouraging. When Musser was a college senior, he felt disenchanted with the church. “The culture around me felt like it was shifting,” he writes, “and I was searching for a solid place to stand.” Then a couple from his church invited Musser and his girlfriend (now wife) over for dinner. “Somewhat reluctantly, I entered their home, and what I experienced was surprising: normalcy.”

Around that couple’s table, Musser witnessed the beauty of a normal Christian marriage and faithful, everyday parenting. “We saw their four young children doing chores. We were brought into their routine of Bible reading and catechism memory. . . . I was weary of performative Christianity, and I witnessed the messy, everyday ways one family lived out spiritual disciplines.” The family’s simple hospitality was a better apologetic than any book or article Musser could’ve read. Their witness came at just the right time, and it strengthened his love for Christ and the church.

Are you worried about young Christians who are questioning and deconstructing their faith? Musser has advice for you: “Invite them over.” Don’t let worry slow down your witness. It may be that an ordinary Christian life is exactly what they need to see.

Stepping out in faith,