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DECISION
Death and taxes. While the latter can possibly be evaded, the former is certainly inevitable. Indeed, death is one of the very few things we can absolutely count on. And yet, with all the skills and abilities that you possess in organization, management, strategy, and planning, how much are you truly prepared for what will inevitably take place, and could take place at any moment?
The issue now is not necessarily one of resolution or reaction but one of decision. It is time to make the decision about what you will live for, to whom you will trust your life, and where you will place your faith.
Life is a choice. And every time you make a choice you stand on your beliefs, for they form the ground on which you build your life. Now, your beliefs are essentially comprised of your answers to the following four matters: origin, meaning, morality, and destiny. Your answers to these questions determine the decisions you make-they form the foundation upon which you stand. It is time to ask yourself: Are you standing on solid ground? Are your answers strong? Are they tested? Are they true?
I did not come to believe in Jesus Christ through a miraculous event or supernatural divine revelation. Rather, my faith was forged with interrogations, investigations, and questions: Where do we come from? Why am I here? What is the purpose of my life? What happens after I die? What is true? The only one who could answers these (and other) essential questions coherently and practically was Jesus Christ-He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Throughout history, people have committed horrendous acts of malevolence, cruelty, and hate in the name of God. Even today, hypocrisy, greed, and self-righteousness plague the church; not to mention the increased emphasis placed on social issues such as homosexuality and abortion. Certainly, all of these call for sincere consideration. But it is Jesus Christ, the heart and founder of this faith, to whom we need to draw our attention-and not the sinners who miserably fail to faithfully follow him. For we have all fallen short of God's standard, whether it be in thought, word, or deed. But He demonstrates His love for us, in that while we were unworthy, Jesus paid our debt that everyone may be made worthy.
With his arms spread on the cross and hands pierced, Jesus confidently states "Bring it on." He can handle your questions, your concerns, your careers, your ambitions, and your fears because he has overcome the world. And he says this with open arms because he loves you.
Christianity is not about religion, rituals, or rules: it's about relationships-relationships with one another, and the relationship with God.
Today, I challenge you to honestly examine all the evidence in history, archaeology, literature, philosophy, and science to see if God is who He claims to be. God promises that if you seek Him with all of your heart, you will find Him. And perhaps then you will finally look at the cross and see the invitation.
But as you search, in whatever direction you choose, understand that when you scratch below the surface, there's either a will to believe or there's a will not to believe. That's the core of it. Faith is a choice. It's a choice you must make without having all the complete information you'd like to have.
Right decisions come from right perspectives. What are your perspectives on life, purpose, God, yourself, others, the world�? Why do you live your life like you do right now? Are you living a life worth living?
Certainly, all choices have consequences and not all choices are easy to make. It's often the difficult ones that have the greatest influences-and I'm thinking about eternal ones.
MY STORY
I cannot pinpoint an exact day when I came into a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It was very much a process of salvation that took place in 1999. My football coach was a youth pastor and he often invited the players to come to his church's youth group meetings. I occasionally went because some other players went and I wanted to be part of the team-and I was curious as to what it was all about. What finally piqued my curiosity and actually caused me to attend Sunday church services (and not fall asleep) was the passion and significance that my coach attached to his faith in God. I asked myself, "why was this such a big deal to him (and not to me)?"
After much investigation , interrogation , and introspection, I slowly, painfully, and anxiously began to trust the God of the Bible with more and more of my life. And He has proven Himself time and time again through (direct/indirect) answered prayer and personal experience. I look back on my life and I can see where/how God was working in my life, prompting and encouraging me by His Holy Spirit to seek after Him. I'm so thankful for His truly amazing grace that saved a wretch like me.
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