I'm kind of shocked by what people think of Christians.
Do you know what the first thing is that most non-christians ask me about being a Christian?
"Do you think that a person HAS to go to church? Is that what makes a person a Christian?"
Then they invariably go on and tell me how closed minded Christians are. How Christians are hypocrites and mean and . . .
Then I get to hear how all the wars were fought over religion.
There are so many other negative things people say about Christians but that isn't what I want to focus on.
What I've found Christians to be . . .
Gentle, understanding, soft hearted, wise, caring, giving, non-judgemental. Seriously, non-judgmental. A real Christian knows we are all sinners. None of us are worthy to take another breath much less consider ourselves higher than another living soul.
Christians aren't rule followers. I think that is another misconception. However, once you develop a relationship with your Savior you lose interest in things that you used to think you enjoyed. You really do become a different person. I wish I had words to describe the feeling.
My daughter asked me a while back if something was wrong. She said that I'm different than I used to be. When she said that I had to smile. Because I am different than I used to be. I don't think the same way. I don't want the same things. Issues that used to not bother me, do now, and other things that used to bother me, don't now. I don't like the same music and I don't like the same books or movies or past times. I rejoiced when she mentioned that I had changed. I wasn't really aware of it until she mentioned it to me.
There is this guy at work who used to hum hymns all day. Irritating to say the least but it got me to thinking. This man isn't ashamed to say Jesus is his Lord. I won't admit to saying that I was ashamed but I will admit to saying that I was worried to admit that Jesus is my Lord publicly because I didn't want to mislead anyone or turn them away from God because they knew me and I am a huge screw-up. I didn't want them thinking I was what a Christian was, because I know that I, well, huge screw-up is the only term I can use that covers it all and I didn't want them to turn away from Him because of me.
I finally got over that stupidity and decided to come all out. "Yes, I am a Christian. We have this neat bible study if you'd like to join us". Thats what I'll tell anyone who gives me an opening at work. I've gone public and so far I haven't noticed anyone throwing themselves off a bridge or joining a cult because I've ruined their perceptions of a Christian. I have however noticed a big change in me.
It's like the Holy Spirit has taken over and given me the legs to walk the walk. My eyes have opened to the Bible and I understand it more and more and more. It is like a flower that opens more every time I look.
The other day as I was leaving my garage I had a vision. I was standing at the judgement seat alone. I knew my time had come and I was scared and I was so alone. Then I felt someone walk up beside me. Jesus was smiling warmly and put his arm around me and I knew I was His. He covered me with His love and I knew I was acceptable. I knew I was family. I was happy and I was relieved and I was weeping because at the same time I felt the weight of my sin and I knew how dirty I was and how unworthy I am. That my sin could be on Him made me so very very very sad. It really changes how you look at sin. At least for me. Knowing that he died because of my sin and that he took my sins on himself. To dirty Christ with my sins?!? The ache in my throat and in my heart stops every other thought. So I turn my thoughts back to Christ as He stands in Heaven now.
I want my children to know Him, to love Him and to worship Him.
To be a Christian is not a list of rules. To be a Christian is to accept His gift. To allow Christ to be your Savior. God has given us a book that we can consult as we walk through our life. He has sent His Holy Spirit to be with us - He has not left us orphans. He has sealed us with His Holy Spirit.
To be a Christian is to accept all these gifts and then you change. You don't change because you have to - you change because you want to. 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith . . . ' Galations 5:22 Even more gifts and pretty much how I would define a Christian.
On this day the Lord has made . . .
As I was driving home from the grocery store I heard a man on the radio ask what we were leaving our children/grandchildren. He mentioned how he would choose, over any amount of money, the writings from his grandfather . . . if he had left any.
So, I have determined to create a diary/journal of what happened to me on this day(s) the Lord has granted me.
So, I have determined to create a diary/journal of what happened to me on this day(s) the Lord has granted me.
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Prayer List
- Thank you Father thank you.
- Lord, extend the kingdom of your Son.
- O Merciful God, who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor desirest the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live; Have mercy upon all who know thee not as thou are revealed in the Gospel of thy Son. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word; and so fetch them home, blessed Lord to thy fold, that they may be one flock under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
- God please take the blinders from my children's heart and eyes. Please give them the gift of faith. Lord God, faith in you is so comforting and brings so much joy. Thank you!
- God please bless Michael, Lindsay, and their families with faith, wisdom, and compassion. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- God thank you for the gift of my co-workers who have shown me that it is good to show that I am a Christian. It is more than okay, it is imperative that my faith shows, so that others can come to know you. Please make me into a shining light for you. Give me the words, and your wisdom, and please don't let me cause anyone to stumble.
- God please be with my family/friends as they go through this time in their lives. Please give them strength and courage and wisdom and faith Lord.
- God please guide the leaders of the world.
- God please heal my children.
- Please heal those that have asked for prayer.
Reading List
- One Thousand Gifts ~ Ann Voskamp
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