"We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."

2 Corinthians 4:7







Thursday, August 6, 2009

BEFORE I KNEW

I like to tell people that I became a Christian before I KNEW I was a Baptist.


You see I became a Christian at a very young age, I wasn't quite 5. There were a lot of things I didn't know, but there were some things I knew.


I knew I was a sinner.

I knew Jesus died for my sins.

I knew He didn't stay dead, but rose again and lived in Heaven.

And I knew that one day, John 3:16 became very personal to me.

I remember approaching my mom and telling her that Jesus was speaking to my heart and that He wanted to live inside it. I remember telling her that I knew I was a sinner and that Jesus died for my sins. I remember her taking the Bible as we knelt beside our couch in the living room. I remember her putting my name in John 3:16 as she read, "For God so loved, Cheri....... and I remember that He became my Lord and Savior on that day.

I remember how the burden of my sin was gone. I remember that freedom!

Those are the things I knew, those are the things I remember. That is before I knew.........

someone had written a prayer called "The Sinners Prayer".

someone had written several plans of how to become a Christian that included steps, roads, and different acrostics that had specific meanings.

someone had written a "program" called evangelism and another "program" called discipleship.

before I had been taught different approaches to studying the Bible, I KNEW it was a special book and that it was the TRUTH.

Even before I knew much of what Lordship meant, He was my Lord. (and I am still learning more about what it means)

Before I was "officially" trained to witness, I was telling people about Jesus.

And Yes, even before I knew there was an "aisle to walk", I had walked right up to Jesus and asked Him to enter in my heart and be the boss of my life.

That was before I heard some well meaning pastors say, "Unless you know the specific time and date you asked Jesus into your heart than you are not a Christian." Oh dear, I wouldn't know that about my physical birth unless someone documented it, but I certainly know I was born. And YES..........I know I was "born again."

I am not mocking knowledge. I am not saying we shouldn't be trained, and make plans; however, before I knew so much, I KNEW, and what I knew was simple. Simple, but strong and sure.

I think that is probably why Jesus loved being around the little children and why he had something to say to the disciples when they asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:1-4

I am learning that faith isn't so much about knowledge & understanding as much as it was about TRUST.

Trusting in HIM. I want to dwell in knowing and remembering the simple things. Knowing He is trustworthy. Knowing I am weak, but He is strong. Knowing that He paid my sin debt in full.

Oh God help me to renew my childlike faith and trust that one day I will know fully, as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13)

Teach me how to remain childlike, without becoming childish. Help me to grow in my knowledge of you, without thinking I have outgrown my need for you.

Jesus Loves ME, this I KNOW.

2 comments:

  1. I so needed this reminder for my own heart. Thank you! I posted a copy of this on my facebook with a link for friends to find (& read) your blog - hope you don't mind. I wanted others to be blessed by your words!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Vickie, I don't mind you sharing my blog. It has been my prayer that it would bless those who read it.
    Sometimes in my search for knowledge, I stumble over the simple things.
    And no matter how much we learn & experience as we grow in Christ, WE ARE STILL HIS CHILDREN. We still need Him. We never need to outgrown the need to climb up in our Daddy's lap.

    ReplyDelete