Loading...Dear Friends in Christ,
I call myself a Christian because I believe that Jesus Christ is my savior. I believe that everything I need for salvation is in the Bible. I believe that in order to be called a Christian, I must be like Christ. That is where I fail. I am a human being with all too many of the human failings that are common to us all. I fall short of where I want to be, where I need to be, where God wants me to be. So, according to my definition, how can I call myself a Christian? It is because God knows I will fail, as will all who follow our Lord. Therefore, God only expects me to try, to strive with my whole being to be like His Son. That is not easy. He knows no matter how hard I try, I will fail. But His grace saves.
In discussing the Bible with others, invariably it is pointed out how some parts seem to be contradictory, or how some religious leaders do bad things. I try to follow what Jesus says. He, who was both human and divine, is the only person to walk this earth who did not sin. That is what I strive to do. It, of course, is a little late. I have already sinned. I believe that I have been forgiven for not only the sins of my past, but for those I will commit in the future. I have been forgiven because Jesus died for those sins. He died for me. He died for you. The price is paid. That is one reason I go to church and worship God. Just one. I am thankful, so very thankful. I want to try to honor God, Jesus, for that sacrifice, for loving me that much.
What is it that Jesus says that I should strive to do? He said to not judge? I try not to, but at times I am judgmental. I really haven’t met anyone who isn’t. That’s no excuse. He said to forgive. It is hard. It is so hard. The families of the Charleston nine are great examples of forgiveness. It would have been hard for me. Jesus said, from the cross - from the cross - as he was suffering and dying, “Father forgive them.” I can’t do it, but I can try and try and try. Jesus said that we are to love one another as He loves us – unconditionally. He said that He did not come into the world to be served, but to serve. We call Him King, but He did not want to be treated as a king, but as a servant. He said we are to feed, clothe, visit, and care for those who are not as well off as we are. Those who may be different from us. Those who are hurting.
I say time and again, we have to be the hands and feet of God. We are to love, forgive, stop judging, and serve. It makes no difference if we like them, or agree with them or their lifestyle, you and I have to love, forgive, not judge, and serve all. Those are Jesus’s commandments. Others in the bible may say different things, but I am not a Paulion, or a Peterion, or a Mosesion. I am a Christian. Jesus’ words are what I strive to follow.
If you disagree with me on any of what I have written, that is okay. This is what I believe. If you are one of my sheep and you differ with me, I still will strive to love, forgive, not judge, and serve you. God sent me not to judge you, but to serve you. One of my mentors, Tom Miller, told me there are some things God doesn’t want me to worry about; God will take care of it. Judging is one of those things.
Know that I love you and pray for you every day. May God protect and guide you.
In Christ’s Love,
Father Russ
