Stories
Following Jesus is about faith, not a formula
A story of conversion,
by Gary Long, Senior Pastor.
I started believing that Jesus was the Son of God when I was a teenager. I wouldn’t say I tried to act like Jesus, though and I’m pretty sure I still don’t do a good job of acting like him. The beautiful thing is that Jesus is still working with me, even after all the times I’ve failed at this whole “following Jesus” thing. That’s what the Christians call grace – God’s unearned favor and forgiveness for all the wrong and bad things I do.
Jesus was God and He lived a life here on earth as a full human. I don’t understand it, but my faith tells me it is something mysterious and wonderful and altogether lovely. While I’m not what I’d call a “seasoned” Christian, I’ve finally come to a place where I don’t feel the need to “figure God out” but to rather revel in the unknowing in a way that is rather freeing.
When Jesus lived on earth, the Bible indicates that he lived a life with no wrong-doing, or sin. And because he did that, and because he willingly gave up his life on the cross, the theologians say that Jesus earned the right to ask God to forgive humans ceaselessly. The word “crucified” for me has become the gateway to freedom from my self, my sin, and my darkness.
The story would have been good enough had it ended there, but it gets better. Much better. God, through another one of the great mysteries of the cosmos raised the dead body of Jesus back to life. It showed the world and the dark forces of the world that God is stronger than anything – even death. I happen to really believe that Jesus is alive for all time and is going to keep me alive with him for all time – even after my body has stopped working.
Anyone can follow Jesus, even a little child. It’s really simple once you let go of the doubts, the preconceived notions about Christianity, and the fear of your life changing. Following Jesus isn’t so much about morals and avoiding bad behaviors. Rather it is more about attempting to live like Jesus lived because he is a man worth copying. And because I pray, I sense God speaking to me and guiding my life.
I wish I could give you three easy steps to a happy spiritual life, but the best I can offer you is an invitation to join me and other followers of Jesus to worship together, share life together, study the Bible together, and accept the love and grace of a God that made you to be free, fulfilled, and faithful.