I’ve been a Christian most of my life. If you use the term “Christian” as a demographic qualifier, then I’ve been a Christian all of my life.
I grew up in a Christian home with two devoted Christian parents. I grew up going to a Christian church. I went to a Christian college and then to a Christian seminary. You can’t get more Christian than all that.
But I haven’t always been a Christ-follower. That came later.
It came during my college and seminary years, when I understood I was being called to the pastoral ministry. I wanted to know more about Jesus and the work He wanted me to do.
The more I found out about Jesus, the more I wanted to know. The more I knew, the more I wanted to find out.
I’m not a philosopher. I’m not a theologian. I’m just a guy who’s trying to figure out how to make his life work.
And here’s what I found out: it works better with Jesus.
I became a better husband. I became a better father. I became a better friend. I became a better pastor—and it all began when I began to talk deeply with Jesus in prayer.
My life changed when I shared my secrets and fears with Jesus.
When I experienced His forgiveness and knew the joy of His grace, I wanted everyone to know what I had discovered in Jesus. That works pretty well because it’s what I get to do as a pastor.
Everyone is into apologetics now. Everyone wants to argue about proofs and points. That’s fine. I guess someone has to do it.
But for me, arguing about whether or not Jesus is real is like a fish arguing about water. For me, I’ve found out that knowing the love of Christ makes me a more loving person.
Following Him is the only way I can make my life work. For me, it’s just not complicated. It’s not easy, but it’s not complicated.
