Getting Right With God
I grew up in an “affordable” suburb in San Diego, CA. We lived in a 3 bedroom house with a little front yard and a house spaced every 20 feet from each other. One of our neighbors had grandchildren around my age, and we were friends growing up. Eventually we saw less and less of each other.
We Reconnect Years Later
Years later, while I was in college, I saw my old friend waiting to catch the bus. I caught his attention and offered him a ride home. He accepted and we caught up on the way home. He shared how he had gotten into some trouble and fell into addiction. He had been going to SDSU, but was kicked out. He was now sober and trying to get back on track. I shared my faith and belief in Christ Jesus with him, believing it was an ordained moment.
Presented With The Choice
My friend listened intently, was moved emotionally, and admitted he believed there was a God. However, my friend paused and said he wasn’t ready. I asked him why? My friend stated that if he accepted Jesus into his life, it would mean he would have to change. My friend wasn’t ready to change.
I can tell you that the last time I heard about my friend, he wasn’t doing well. He went back to his addictions, and was near being abandoned by his family.
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Isaiah 55:6-7
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:13-14
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
James 5:16
We need to realize the treasure of God is first his Salvation. We admit our sin problem, then accept Jesus as our savior, and that He is the son of God. Once saved by the grace of Christ Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirt and enter into relationship with God.
What We Gain is Better than What We Loose
My Friend was concerned with what he would loose, or give up. However, we should encourage others to be forward thinking and consider what we gain. We get to know God, we get to live with Him side-by-side, here on earth! His Holy Spirt comes and lives inside of us and is there to lead us forward in the best possible life we could hope to live. If you perceive salvation as the end, please know it’s just the beginning!