There are many blessings for those who have grown up in a Christian home. Going to
church, the habit of praying before meals, attending Christian camps in the summer
with friends, and possibly becoming a Christian at a young age - I know these are all gifts from God.
On January 9th, 1999, I remember my ten year-old self sitting on our kitchen's wood flood with my mom. We were eating caramel popcorn out of a Christmas tin and talking about Jesus. All that I really remember from the conversation that followed was really understanding the power of the gospel. The reason Jesus was born a baby, grew up living a perfect life, teaching, healing and pointing people to God, and then ultimately dying on the cross for sin. And most importantly, raising again on the third day defeating the grave! And through that, I could be forgiven of the wrongs I had done and will ever do. I also would be promised eternal life with God in heaven! (Sound like a great deal, don't you think?) There are many of us with this similar story - becoming a Christian at a young age. #90sChurchKids
Though, in my late high school and early college years, thoughts of comparison often came to mind. My story was that of the "90s Church kid" - born and raised. I had really known no difference, or had a stark change in life when I did become a Christian. There were moments I was almost jealous of those who had become Christians later in life.
I realize this sounds silly. Why would anyone, who knows what the benefits and joys of a relationship with Christ looks like, want to delay such a beautiful and satisfying relationship?
This past summer, I revisited those thoughts, though also remembering to be thankful for my own story. There were a couple of times, even recently, I experienced or participated in what I like to call "ugly flesh" moments. It's the moments you know you are living selfishly, being stubborn, impatient, and just plain irritable. It's those moments you wish, looking back, you might change. It's those moments where I've found myself not living by the power of God within me, but living out of the power of myself.
Ugly.
What about this thought: "maybe guilt is God grieving within you?" Isn't that a interesting idea? Because, as Jesus-believing-followers, it is true: God lives within us. And when we go against the Spirit's wisdom and direction, we are ultimately rebelling against God. And that grieves Him.
"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:30-32
And it is in the reflection of those moments of weakness, while recognizing them as sin, I find myself appreciating the gospel even more. Because of those moments, I remember my need for the gospel. I too am a broken, sinful and an imperfect person in need of the Savior of the world.
So, those of you who also grew up in the church, us #90sChurchKids, I want to encourage you - appreciate your story and the moments you realize your need for the gospel and our Savior. May they help you keep your focus on living for Him!
 |
| Love me some felt-story-board-Jesus. |
Though, in my late high school and early college years, thoughts of comparison often came to mind. My story was that of the "90s Church kid" - born and raised. I had really known no difference, or had a stark change in life when I did become a Christian. There were moments I was almost jealous of those who had become Christians later in life.
I realize this sounds silly. Why would anyone, who knows what the benefits and joys of a relationship with Christ looks like, want to delay such a beautiful and satisfying relationship?
This past summer, I revisited those thoughts, though also remembering to be thankful for my own story. There were a couple of times, even recently, I experienced or participated in what I like to call "ugly flesh" moments. It's the moments you know you are living selfishly, being stubborn, impatient, and just plain irritable. It's those moments you wish, looking back, you might change. It's those moments where I've found myself not living by the power of God within me, but living out of the power of myself.
Ugly.
What about this thought: "maybe guilt is God grieving within you?" Isn't that a interesting idea? Because, as Jesus-believing-followers, it is true: God lives within us. And when we go against the Spirit's wisdom and direction, we are ultimately rebelling against God. And that grieves Him.
"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:30-32
So, those of you who also grew up in the church, us #90sChurchKids, I want to encourage you - appreciate your story and the moments you realize your need for the gospel and our Savior. May they help you keep your focus on living for Him!
No comments:
Post a Comment