Are you sick and tired, yet?

I realize that I’m about to make some pretty strong statements in this blog today.  I just feel led to post my position as a follower of Jesus Christ.  I do not wish to impose my beliefs on anyone or to offend, however, I don’t apologize for my stance on the scriptures.  I believe that Jesus requires us all to examine our hearts and make a decision on where we stand.  I think it is only fitting that I do so at the close of one year and the beginning of the next. 

I no longer subscribe to the term “Christian.” It has become watered-down and made into a religious misnomer that allows all kinds of warm and fuzzy feelings in church, but no real conviction in life.  Call me uber conservative and a radically right-winged evangelist bible thumping hater if you must, but I prefer the term “follower of Christ.”  You might wonder what exactly is the difference, but in this day and age, sadly, they have become very different animals (in my mind, at least!).  The term “Christian” having been taken from the title of Christ (which means “Annointed One”) became the name of those who believed in the teachings of Jesus as the Messiah or anointed son of God.  So, at one time they were one and the same, Christians were followers of Christ.  However, today anyone who believes in God is a “Christian.”  Anyone who can quote a few scriptures (however inaccurately) is a Christian.  Anyone who thinks that Jesus may have been divine is a Christian.  Anyone who goes to or has ever attended a church is a Christian.  Anyone who votes republican is a Christian.  My point is that even the Devil and his minions believe in God, can quote scripture (probably with more accuracy than some in a pew), show up in church from time to time, and might even vote republican.  While some of these statements might indicate a religious notion, NONE of them actually indicate the inner change necessary to live a life as a “follower of Christ!”

Make no mistake, I’m not saying that a body shouldn’t do the above mentioned things, but that they alone are not enough to “inherit the kingdom of heaven.” (1 Cor 6:9-10).  No amount of good work or good thoughts or good therapy will get you into heaven but one thing…a total, complete, absolute surrender of yourself to Jesus Christ as your personal savior.  I use the word personal here because it indicates a relationship, not a religion, not some words you just say, not some thought or vibe you put out.  Instead it requires a person’s wholly committed desire to not living and wallowing in their own self anymore!  We have to reach the end of our sin, our lifestyles, our ideas about how to live.  Why, you might ask?  To answer that you need to know that I believe that heaven is not the only goal or reason to be saved!  The notion that we can live in a place where there is no sickness and no tears, where we can spend eternity praising our Creator and hugging our loved ones is definitely a reason to consider Christ.  But the wonderful thing is that God wants us to have freedom here on earth and power to live out loud! Because of my commitment to Christ and my relationship with Him, I don’t have to worry about bills or illness or death—not because they don’t exist for me, they do!  All of us have hardships and ills we’ve suffered in this life, but I don’t have to spend my time consumed with stress, eaten up with ulcers from anxiety or panic over how I’m gonna function tomorrow.  Please don’t misunderstand me…I know what it means to not know where or when the next paycheck will come, to not know if the lump in my breast is cancerous or not, to be told we have to get that baby out of you NOW!!!! I know what it means to lose something so precious and promised.  But all that while, I gave my hopes, my fears, my worries to Jesus and while they didn’t miraculously disappear, my anxiety sometimes did.  While the circumstances weren’t always optimistic, I was able to be so because I trusted that I couldn’t see everything there was to see.  I knew that Jesus could see farther down the road than I can, and he alone holds my future in his hands!  What a weight that lifted off my shoulders when I began to understand that life is crappy and hard sometimes, but my God is bigger than any problem.  That means I NEVER carry a burden alone.  I NEVER face a situation without hope.  I NEVER endure hardship without grace.  I NEVER fail without forgiveness.  This, my friends, is a freedom that I cannot obtain anywhere else!  (Gal 5:1)  Wow!  Freedom here on earth AND eternity in the cool blue place walkin streets of gold?  Those are some compelling reasons to consider Christ!

What about you?  Are you comfortable with where you are?  Are you living in mediocrity willing to accept the stuff the world is doling out? Or are you tired of what the world has to offer and want that freedom I was talking about? If you’re okay to sit where you are, then that’s fine.  But if you’re not and you want out, a different life for yourself and your family, then all you have to do is pray this prayer with all your heart! 

Dear Jesus, I’m no longer satisfied with where I am in life.  I’m no longer willing to accept the status quo.  I want to be able to live with a freedom that only you can provide.  I admit that I’m a sinner and cannot change myself.  I ask you, Jesus, to come into my life and change me from the inside out!  Forgive me, Jesus for all that I’ve let get in the way of a real relationship with you!  Thank you for all you’ve done for me, for dying a criminal’s death on that cross in my place.  I love you, Lord and I give myself fully to your care.

 AMEN!  That’s it!  If you prayed that prayer sincerely and want change, then you’ve just accepted the free gift of salvation from Jesus Christ and made yourself more than just a Christian, but a “follower of Christ!”  The next step is to get involved in a local, life-giving church.  If you need help finding a church in your area, shoot me an email.   Please let me know how you are, especially if this is the first time you’ve prayed this way.  Email me at angie@angieewing.com and tell me your story!  Many blessings in this New Year!