I grew up in the Church. Looking back at my life, I cannot recall any times when I doubted the existence of God. As a younger Christian, I just assumed that most of my peers had similar experiences. I assumed they went to Church, at least for holidays like Christmas and Easter, and that they knew about the death and resurrection of Jesus, and what that meant for salvation. I assumed that everyone at least had an idea of who God is.
Of course, I was wrong. In fact, I really had no idea who God was.
Then, there was a time when I believed in Christ, but reveled in sin. Thinking back to this makes me feel weary. Somehow, I was able to find ways to justify my lifestyle. I convinced myself that the Bible was irrelevant and outdated, that all I need to know was the love that Jesus bore for us... and that living in sin wasn't actually denying God. I still believed; and that is really all that matters, right?
I knew little, and understood less.
Now, years later, I find myself more clearly recognizing the severity of my nature, and the severity with which I need Christ. This advent season I am taking time to reflect on the precious gift that God has bestowed upon on us. And a beautiful gift it is. God has been faithful to me regardless of where I am on my walk with Him. I have denied God more than I have accepted Him, yet it would seem that God still yearns for me to come to Him.
As I grow in spiritual maturity, I realize how little I actually know and understand. I am eternally thankful for a Father in heaven who is concerned with my holiness, so much so that he would send Jesus to sacrifice himself for our shortcomings. My hope is that God will continue to teach me and grow me, beyond this advent season and the next.
Christ will come again, and I hope that you will know Him too.
