This past Sunday morning during Sunday School, I asked the youth, “Why are you choosing to follow Christ? Why are you seeking God’s will? Would it not be easier to just live like you want, as carefree and reckless as you like?” In response, I received many blank stares. At that moment, I thought to myself, “oh no, what have I done,” fearing that I may have just sparked an interest in them of a life away from the Lord. Fortunately though, one of them answered, “I choose to have eternal life without pain and suffering.” This, then, created a chain reaction of answers amongst many of the youth.
Even though there are many answers, the question of “why be a Christian” still remains for many people. As Christians, are we not supposed to shed a light on the benefits of living a life as Christ has instructed? But how do we effectively convey such a message? I imagine this question has been thought about since the time of the disciples setting up the first churches in the days after Jesus’ resurrection; however, I do believe we can effectively shed light on this topic if we seek council and guidance from the Father through the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, giving entirely over to God is a whole other difficulty. But why? Why should we, as creations with free will, give ourselves over to a divine source when we have the option of doing our own thing instead? I believe the answer to that question must come from within the person that is making that choice, but there has to be a certain amount of faith, alongside an understanding of love and grace, involved in making such a decision.
From “Illustrations Unlimited” – Why do people resist surrendering themselves to Christ? For many, the reason they give is that they don’t really trust God to handle their lives to their suiting. A young lady stood talking to an evangelist on the subject of consecration, of giving herself wholly to God. She said, “I dare not give myself wholly to the Lord, for fear He will send me out to China as a missionary.” The evangelist said, “If some cold, snowy morning a little bird should come, half-frozen, pecking at your window, and you would let you take it in and feed it, thereby putting itself entirely in your power, what would you do? Would you grip it in your hand and crush it? Or would you give it shelter, warmth, food, and care?” A new light came into the girl’s eyes. She said, “Oh, now I see, I see. I can trust God!” Two years later she again met the evangelist and recalled to him the incident. She told of how she had finally abandoned herself to God—and then her face lit up with a smile and said, “And do you know where God is going to let me serve Him?” And there was now a twinkle in her eye— In China!”
Are you holding back from turning your life over to God? Why? I challenge you this week to think about your “faith walk” and commit or recommit your life to God.
Josh
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