Choose Christ? Why?

Can I be Spiritually Neutral?

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

Nobody can live a spiritually neutral life. You may think you can make yourself acceptable to God by living a life of high moral standards and by doing good for your friends, family, and  community. But that is not neutral.

Every person is called to fill the void in their life.  We often choose between masters -- great job success, a stable home, money, possessions, peace and quiet, fulfillment in our relationships, satisfying desires.  After reaching milestones in our lives we often ask, "Is that all there is?"  There is an emptiness we cannot quite fill. 

In the end we make a choice for God or for something else.  If we do not choose God we choose sin because we fail to recognize God's authority in our lives. Each of us is free to ignore that missing part of our lives and choose our masters, but each choice comes with a consequence, or "wage." Each of the two masters pays in its own currency.

The currency of sin is death -- the end of your natural life followed by eternal separation from God. That's all you can hope for in a life without God. The currency of Jesus Christ, on the other hand, is eternal life with God. This is a joyful new life that begins the moment you accept Christ and that continues forever. Which would you rather have?  Are you ready to receive God's gift of eternal life?

...but How Wrong are My Actions?

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

In our daily lives we grow used to weighing things.  On balance is it good, bad, not so bad, OK?  Who am I hurting?  We function on compromise and sometimes on indifference to the questions that nag us.  We could probably agree that murder is pretty serious, and likely think of it as a worse sin than hatred or theft. And you probably consider theft a worse sin than lying or jealousy.

This doesn't mean that because some of us "do" lesser sins we deserve eternal life. All sin makes us sinners. This includes everything from the smallest lie to lust to murder. All sin makes us sinners, and all sin cuts us off from our perfectly holy God.

All sin leads to death, because it disqualifies you from living with God, no matter how good your life seems in every other respect.

Fortunately, God gave you a way--through Jesus Christ--to be forgiven from all your sins, regardless of how small or great they are. Jesus died to take your sins upon Himself and wipe your slate clean. He gave Himself up willingly for your sake because of His great love for you.  Are you ready for a change in your life?  Are you ready to accept God's wonderful free gift of eternal life?

Is this the way to go?

Jesus answered, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

Jesus told us that He is the only way to God the Father. Some people argue that this way is too narrow and "intolerant." In reality, it is wide enough for the whole world, if the world chooses to accept this free gift, which is offered with no strings attached and no price to pay. Instead of worrying about how limited it sounds to have only one way to God, we should be thanking God for providing a sure way to reach Him and receive eternal life!

It is not enough just to know these three truths...

When you welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, you take the first step on the road to spiritual rebirth.  You receive an overwhelming sense of joy and peace and your life becomes filled.  You won't even realize it at first, but the void is gone.  God is where He should be in your life.  Eventually, this new birth changes you from the inside out, by rearranging your attitudes, desires, and motives.  You find real fulfillment in your work, relationships, finances, and family.  If you allow it, God will change everything.

Being born of God transforms and regenerates you spiritually and puts you in God's family. God is perfect--more loving and sensitive to your needs than any parent, husband, wife, friend, or companion can possibly be. When you ask Christ to make you a new person, you will receive a fresh start in life, as you discover spiritual life for the first time. As each day passes you grow closer and closer to your heavenly union with God.

Receiving Christ involves turning to God and away from ourselves.  When God is in His place in our life we find ourselves - who we are and where we belong. God's gift of Grace - that is His everlasting love, gives us great power and strength to continue our transformation.

The first step requires you to say Yes.  To make a positive affirmation of God's place in your life.  Once you answer God with a Yes, even if it is in private, He will take you by the hand - follow where he leads.