As I think back on my “younger days”, a number of people influenced me and started me on my journey of faith:
My parents who every Sunday evening would listen to the weekly church service from the
Nazarene Church on the radio; and who demonstrated their faith by the decisions they made and
the way they lived.
My Sunday school teachers who not only taught me about the Bible, but also showed me how we
should treat other people.
Two of my youth group leaders who took me to the monthly Youth for Christ rallies (during one of
which I accepted Jesus as my personal savior.)
Two of my college professors who were instrumental in challenging my thinking and helping to
strengthen my faith.
A young seminary student at the church camp where I worked summers during my college years
who taught me the difference between head knowledge (knowing about Jesus) and heart
knowledge (knowing Jesus).
These people helped me on my journey of faith. Notice I said journey. Being a Christian is not an achievement, but an ongoing process. We as Christians are always searching. Always being challenged, always learning. We have good times; we have bad times. There are times when we are not sure of ourselves; and there are times when we know who we are and where we are going.
Pablo Casols played the cello. He was perhaps one of the most accomplished Spanish cellists. Though he mastered the cello, he continued practicing three hours a day. When he was 93 years old, someone asked him why at his age he continued practicing so much. His response was, “Because I’m beginning to notice some improvement.”
Our faith in Christ is like that. We need to continue practicing. So we too can notice some improvement. We set out on a spiritual journey and we continue that journey until we arrive safely resting in the arms of Jesus.
Where are you in your life? Are you practicing? Are you striving to do better? Are you beginning to notice some improvement?
God bless you,
Lynn
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