John 15:5-8 5 "I am the vine; (E) you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, (F) because you can do nothing without Me. 6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside (G) like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, (H) and they are burned. (I) 7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. (J) 8 My Father is glorified (K) by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be [a] My disciples
About a month ago my wife finally just asked me. Do you have a relationship with Christ? Excuse me? Of course I have a relationship with Christ. Then where's your fruit? I then spent the next week defending myself and my belief that I had a personal relationship with Christ. I grew up in the church. I said a prayer when I was 6. I rededicated my life when I was 13. I was a leader in my youth group....the list just keeps on going and going. The very fact that I became as defensive as I did and frustrated with both Amber and myself should have been a red flag. Where was my fruit? Where was my relationship?
In a completely God moment, that very week at church, Pastor Todd preached a sermon on a personal relationship with Christ that produced a life change and godly fruit. It was then that I realized that, no, I did not have a personal relationship with Christ. Sure, I said a prayer, I rededicated, I lead, I served, I even led others to Christ. But in that last statement there is no relationship. I was doing things my way. Needless to say, at the end of the sermon I went forward and talked to Pastor Todd and two weeks later I was baptized as a demonstration of my new life and relationship
I still struggle. I still stumble. But I now know that those slips, trips, and falls don't mean failure. I can't say for sure that before I was I was saved or not. I can now. I also know that ever since, I have not been tempted like I was, I have not failed like I used to.
I am now struggling to build habits and routines that build my relationship with Christ. I wake up an hour early everyday to read my Bible. When I have down time in the truck at work, I read my Bible. It has been amazing to share my story and see other people respond and be encouraged in their own walk. I feel that this is my ministry, telling my story, sharing peoples' hurts and struggles, and showing them that they are not alone in their sin. No one should feel like a freak and alone in theirown church or family. No one should have a church closet.....
No comments:
Post a Comment