***DISCLAIMER: You will be challenged by this blog post***
Do you ever get that ONE thought or question that keeps on coming back and demands to be confronted? I've been getting a few hard taps on the shoulder with the same question for the past few weeks, so that must mean it's time for a blog post, right?
By reading the title, I'm sure you can come up with an idea of what question I'm asking. Such a short question! Only 5 words, but MAN. . .this question has felt like a thousand pounds on my heart lately.
Why am I a Christian?
First the easy response- Well, I was born in the church. My dad was an elder at our church and my parents both continue to sing on the praise team. Of course I'm a Christian because of them and the way I was raised. Duh, what a stupid and easy question.
A very large part of me wants to respond in that way. Luckily, part of me knows that answer is only surface deep, and isn't completely right. I guess the better question is why did I choose to be a Christian? Me. No one else.
Now that's a little harder to answer.
As I was stewing over this loaded question someone said something that blew me away, and my answer started to take shape.
Recently at Praise Team practice for my church, we started praying for one of our Brothers in Christ who was struggling to start up his walk with God, and was dealing with doubts and hesitation. In response, someone said "Help him to see the things he can do as a Christian, not the things he can't do."
WOW. I don't know about y'all, but that spoke volumes to me.
So often, we choose to think about the things we can't do as Christians. We are pounded with commandments and rules and sin, and sometimes that overshadows the amazing things we can do in Christ! Y'all, listen to this:
We can be FREE.
We can be FORGIVEN.
We can LOVE.
We can find HELP.
We can be FEARLESS.
We can have ETERNAL LIFE.
Now doesn't that sound a lot better than "Thou shall not kill?"
Isn't that refreshing? Doesn't that make you want to get up and shout out praises?
You are free! You are forgiven! You are loved, and you can love! You can find help! You don't have to fear a thing! You. Will. Have. ETERNTAL. LIFE.
That right there, is why I am a Christian.
The things that I can do in Christ FAR out weigh the things I cannot do.
I'm continually working on my list of reasons I'm a Christian, and I want to share it with as many people as I can! I want to encourage you to do the exact same thing.
Make a list, short or long, of why you're a Christian. Share it with your friends, share it on Facebook, share it on Instagram, tell your coworkers, write it in the comments, or just keep it to yourself and tell God why you choose Him above anyone else. Write it down, sing it out, say it in your head. I guarantee He'll hear it, and He'll appreciate it.
So before I sign off, I'm going to give y'all my list.
Why are you a Christian?
1. I am free from condemnation.
2. God forgives every single one of my mistakes.
3. God doesn't care how cute my clothes are, or if I have any makeup on. He's impressed with me and loves me no matter what my outward appearance shows.
4. I always have a friend to talk to. Whether it's 3 pm or 3 am, I've got a never-ending and never-complaining confidant.
5. My problems and struggles will never be too much for Him, and He will never tire from listening to me.
6. Death has NO power over me.
7. Jesus is the coolest guy ever.
My list is always changing and always growing, but these are the main reasons that seem to keep coming back to me.
Alright everyone, time to make your list and share it.
1.........2..........3.............GOOOOO!!!!
With love,
Olivia
