In case you didn't figure it out already, That title line is in all caps because I am shouting it!
I was looking at my Blogger profile and realized that I hadn't stated the fact that I'm a Christian. It struck me hard that I had failed to mention the single most important part of my life. I flipped over to Facebook and discovered that there too, there is no mention of my personal relationship with Jesus Christ! Was it an oversight on my part, or is it possible that, consciously or subconsciously, it was intentional?
As I sit here writing this I can hear my son in the shower singing at the top of his lungs "God Is Bigger Than The Boogie Man". He doesn't learn songs very well and tends to make up words as he goes. I can hear him singing lines like "God is on your side" and "God is watching over you". My children know how much I love God because I have taught them to love Him too.
The other night we went to some Christian friend's house for dinner. I sat there and had a deep conversation with them about how God has been working in our lives. I told them how much He means to me and how I look to him for everything. We sat for a couple hours just sharing the wonderful things God does.
When I read a post on someone else's blog that deals with Christian issues, I'm perfectly comfortable commenting to that post with similar sentiments. I don't hesitate to show that I'm a Christian when it is another Christian that I'm talking too.
But when I go to work I rarely talk about my faith. I try to have good morals and I'd like to think my co-workers can see that there is something different about me. And back to my original point, when I say things that reflect on my public internet image, I am strangely silent about these things. How many other areas of my life am I putting a cover over my faith so nobody sees it? I am ashamed of myself!
Jesus Christ willingly went to the cross and suffered and died for me, but I act like Peter and try to hide the fact that I even know Him. My life wouldn't be the wonderful, happy, joy filled life that it is right now if it wasn't for Jesus' love for me.There is nothing in my life that I can't look back on and see God's guidance. He has watched over me, even when I wasn't living for Him, and has led me down the right path every time.
So I am going to try to act like a Christian who has nothing to hide or be ashamed of. I'm not going to start force-feeding my faith to people but I want the world to know that I am a child of the Most High God and I'm proud of it! I have already updated my Blogger Profile so now it's off to fix Facebook! No more hiding the most important part of my life!!
So I hope you don't mind a little more shouting:
I AM A CHRISTIAN, A CHILD OF GOD, WASHED IN THE BLOOD, WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE, BOUND FOR HEAVEN!!
I hope you aren't offended by this statement, but if you are, I'm sorry you feel that way. Why don't you ask me for more information about why I love God. Who knows, maybe you'll end up going to Heaven with me, I'd really love to take you!
I think this is great.
ReplyDeleteI don't talk about my faith much either. I don't really know why.
I just heard that catchy little song, God is Bigger Than The Boogie Man when my little grandson watched the first ever Veggie Tales. What a confidence builder that song is.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are stating plainly who you are, but it didn't take long to know you were a Christian. I congratulate you on your new stand. I hope some needy people get on your blog and have a great discussion with you.
Thanks to both of you for the encouragement! It is all fine and good to take this stand here and I intend to continue to do so, but it is going to take a lot of God's help to put this into practice in all the areas of my life!
ReplyDeleteNancy, Veggie Tales are the greatest kids programs ever in my opinion! To be honest, I still love them now! :) I'm glad your grandson gets to experience them!
Amen. I don't talk about God unless I am in a space where I know the talk won't be rejected. Do I put my neck out once in a while and venture onto the topic of God? Yes, I offer my opinions, I am not ashamed to do so yet I have to be wary for a few reasons. 1. I had "religion" shoved down my throat as a child. 2. Due to the nature of my work, or what I am currently training in it is not my job to impose my faith on anyone, I'm currently studying in the BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) program. I have been wondering how I would begin to discuss faith with future clients and I found a course at a Masters level which addresses spirituality. I'm learning but I never want to force anyone to see my way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this Andy.
I think there is a very fine line between forcing your beliefs on others and just being open about them. Too many people think that they need to convert people to their way of thinking. I believe, when the opportunity presents itself, we do more by simply sharing our views and being willing to listen to others. The struggle that I face is having the courage to speak up when those opportunities arrive, instead of being shy about my faith. I too have had Christianity shoved down my throat and it did nothing to help me come to the Lord! It was the people who showed me God's love by accepting me as I was that made the difference.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by and sharing also! There is so much that I can learn from those around me!