May 31, 2026
Штунди [shtundi] - a group of people belonging to a particular sect or group. "The Evangelical-Baptist sect, which arose in the Russian state in the middle of the 19th century."
But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
Matthew 10:33
NIV BIBLE
Штунда [shtunda] – one particular individual or person belonging to a particular sect or group.
Штунди [shtundi] – a group of people belonging to a particular sect or group.
“The Evangelical-Baptist sect, which arose in the Russian state in the middle of the 19th century.”
This term refers to the name or label given to individuals who hold beliefs that differ from those of others.
It serves as a label or tag used to identify a specific group of people with strong convictions about life, morals, and standards, also known as “Believers.” These beliefs diverge from what is commonly accepted in society and are classified as being outside the norm.
Being labeled a “Shtunda” distinguishes them from others, and this identification may linger in people’s memories for a long time.
“Shtynda” (referring to one particular Christian person) or “shtyndi” (denoting many Christians or groups of people) dress, speak, and behave in a distinctive manner that sets them apart. They adhere to principles such as abstaining from drinking, smoking, or partying. Instead, they engage in meetings for prayer and worship, and participate in special camps and activities. Their gatherings are alcohol-free, devoid of dancing or inappropriate music, and they often sing hymns during meals.
These brand of Christians are unique and different when compared to others, a distinction that can be observed from a distance.
However, if you find yourself on the inside looking out, your perspective may shift. Here’s my view.
I too belonged to this group, was influenced by, and have shaped my life around this crowd. Not only that, I grew up in a house of worship that my father graciously allowed to be built on his property for believers to gather and have fellowship. I attended Sunday school religiously and centered my life around biblical traditions and beliefs. My uncle, a pastor of this congregation, along with my aunts and uncles, were part of a church ministry within a close-knit community of 80 to 100 members.
On Sundays, they would gather to fellowship and worship, and on weekdays, particularly Wednesdays, they held prayer meetings, Bible studies, and choir practices on Fridays, with Youth Services on Mondays. Church was all I knew! I could hear the choir practicing through my walls, the strings of piano sounds in the early mornings, and the cycle of preaching and worship over and over again.
CAUTION: Before proceeding, this is a sensitive topic, and there are details I have held in for so long!
Believe it or not, that brand made me feel a certain way, shaped my friendships, and influenced my behavior. I often had to pretend to be liked and put on a show to be accepted within my community. We were only allowed to have Christian friends, and I understood that; however, I would sneak into my neighbor’s yard and play in their backyard. I witnessed the ugliness in the church pews, the hypocrisy with my own eyes, and the never-ending rumors about my family, along with spiteful critical remarks at the dinner table. I wanted nothing to do with that.
Every single thing we did was aired to the public; every little flaw was exposed, brought to light, or spread around at dinner tables. My father, a humble man, endured the rumors and kept silent. My mother watched quietly but harbored resentment. I hated how this group treated my family, but just like my father, I learned to ignore it and remained silent, putting on a show and pretending in return to keep the peace and avoid conflict! If I had my way, I would have told them what I thought, shared my piece of mind. Well, the old me would have; the new me has forgiven and moved forward, otherwise, I would be stuck back there too.
Not only that, we were ostracized and overlooked at school because we were Shtyndas. There were popular kids, awkward kids, and then there were Shtyndas. So, to add fuel to the fire, there was that!
Surprised? Me too!
I hated that brand and wanted nothing to do with it. I lived an opposite life from my family and did everything in my power to deny the name. I wanted to prove to my neighborhood friends that I was different from the Shtyndas they knew, and even from my schoolmates. That got me in trouble sometimes!
How could I even hide it when the house of worship was in my yard?
I had a friend who hosted parties, and I was very fond of that. I patterned my lifestyle and behaviors after theirs. They didn’t judge me, nor did they criticize me; they included me and accepted me as part of their family. I longed for acceptance, so I was an easy target.
Not everyone talks about what goes on within the walls of a church, but we must if we want others to come to our building. We are human just like everyone else! We talk and gossip just like everyone else. We get mad, we get upset, and we can be bitter. We are prideful, arrogant, and spiteful too. We can be greedy, jealous of others, and harbor hate within our hearts, pretending to cover it with love. We don’t drink, we don’t party, but we covet the fact that you do! We are not perfect; it’s a hard pill to swallow, but isn’t it the truth? We are jacked up, like my pastor likes to say, and I totally agree! However, we do hold to a particular set of beliefs and standards, trying to live God’s truth to the best of our ability and strength. Truth is what sets us free! We are not a MUSEUM of saints, but a hospital for the broken.
So bear with me as I uncover truth and reveal details not easily talked about. I don’t share this to spread hate or paint Christianity in a bad light; I am simply here to tell you that we are just like everyone else, trying to follow Christ and live right.
We are each given a cross and instructions to follow. The road is not easy, the cross is heavy, and the burdens are not light. The good news is that we aren’t meant to carry the CROSS alone; He (JESUS) has paid our dues on the CROSS, and we are to simply hand it over. Do you understand?
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
I forgave, moved forward, and concluded that you cannot choose the family you are born into, but you can choose how to live your life regardless of what circumstances look like. I didn’t know how to express my anger, so I held it deep inside and grew bitterness within. Now I release that pain at the CROSS and instead forgive my offenders.
Only GOD can do that; there’s NO WAY I would have been able to do that in the past.
This is who I was, and still AM, but I could not embrace the name nor shine the light from within because of the experiences and people I encountered within Christianity. I had to come to understand.
I totally get it when Peter, on the night of Christ’s crucifixion, denies his identity and hides his face. I too ran my whole life and hid my identity, only to realize that THIS IS WHO I WAS!
Years down the road, I stayed clear of Christianity but put on the show very well. No one in my family could decipher that deep inside I did not believe nor practice Christianity. Yes, I went to church, sang in the choir, and attended youth service, but my heart was very far from Him.
I was labeled as a Christian but didn’t even know who I was. I lived RELIGION, put on the show, tried to follow the rules, but FAILED and did not know who CHRIST was. It wasn’t until I picked up that BOOK that I learned who He was, and in turn, who I was. Not only that, I found my purpose and even stepped into my Destiny.
A prized possession, a holy nation, a peculiar people, set apart and chosen for GOD. A city on a hill, light of the world. YET I did everything in my power to hide that light! I was ignorant of satan’s devices and allowed the enemy to whisper lies to me. BUT no more; HIS WORD is my TRUTH!
COME as you are and allow God to change you. Transformation is what we need; Jesus, the light, is what will change us from the inside out!
What happens when you hide the light or put it under a bushel?
IT GOES OUT! Do not let your light go out!
If you are a believer, wear your brand and wear it proudly! God has given you that name; you are not like everyone else. You represent His light in this dark world. So SHINE brightly for EVERYONE to see.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS 💭
In the meantime…
live life to the fullest, laugh as much as you can, love without condition or measure.
Your Story is important to someone else. The details of your testimony are life to someone else. I couldn’t have spoken into strangers life, if I myself did not go through the battles. I can only speak because I know the pain, the hurt, and confusion. I pray God comforts us, and gives us the grace to tell our story, no matter how small the details are.
Let’s not hesitate to share our testimonies and help each other walk through the valleys, and reach our destinations together. With a sense of fulfillment, and helping others get there can be a rewarding and satisfying experience, because when we lift each other up, we don’t just reach our destinations, we thrive in them.
I’d love to share your Story on my SITE!
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