If you are like me, you may often find that our Christian walk through life is similar to the walk of an intoxicated person. We know where we must go; yet, we find it difficult to walk a straight line to get there. Since our path is an upward climb we often stumble backwards. Some of us think we are making great progress; however, in reality we are not far from where we started. Along the way we meet many ‘helpful’ individuals. Some want to give us “a bite of the dog that bit us”. Others, just as intoxicated as we are, want to give us advice or assistance. Still others want to take advantage of our impaired condition. And, if we are lucky, we meet a recovering alcoholic, who is capable of helping us along.
The intoxicants of this world are numerous and subtle. Like the alcoholic, we tell ourselves that just a little sip will not hurt us. But, oh how wrong we are! Once started we find that we want just a little bit more and that escalates until we are staggering drunk again.
The answer is, “Turn our lives fully over to Jesus and let Him lead us through this life to our goal”. The answer sounds simple and easy: but, this is very deceptive. The more we want to accept the answer, the harder it becomes. We start out okay; but, find that old habits are hard to break. Like the recovering alcoholic, we find that the lure of intoxicants gets stronger as we go without them. And, just as the recovering alcoholic must modify his lifestyle, so must we. The recovering alcoholic will tell you that it is a lifelong battle to keep away from his addiction; and that he has stumbled along the way. I thank Our God that He has the love and patience to put up with our relapses; and, that He stands ready to help us again.
Salvation is a gift; it can not be earned. Yet, with the gift come responsibilities. By accepting the gift of salvation, we agree to do our best to live according to God’s Word. At that point our Christian walk begins.
I am not a preacher, or a divinity school graduate. I am just a sinner who is trying to live up to the responsibilities I incurred, when I accepted the "gift of salvation". Some days I do well; but, most days are an uphill battle.
If you have any questions, or comments, please contact me at my E Mail address. Also, please sign my Guest Book.
The Lord's answering machine is always open. Prayer, and belief, and acceptance are the answer!
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