While sitting at a stop light a while back, I couldn’t help but notice the bumper sticker in front of me that read; “God Save Me From Your Followers!”  At first, I was taken back and as a Christian (follower of Christ), I was rather offended.  I thought it was a fairly rude, intolerant thing to broadcast to the world on the back bumper of a car. Within a few moments, however, my offense faded to sadness as I realized that chances were good the anger or resentment behind those words were most likely preceded by some significant pain or wounding, caused by someone who claimed to be a “follower of Christ.”

I will be the first to admit that some of us who profess to know Christ and have a personal relationship with Him, are sadly, at times, some of the worst testimonies to a most amazing God.  What we fail to recognize at times is that we are imperfect sinners, like everyone else, in need of a Savior but we have been changed by His power to be salt and light to a desperate world.

The difference between Christians and those who aren’t, is that they have chosen to receive the forgiveness and grace offered by God, through belief in His Son. At that moment, they become a new creation in Christ, with the Power of God now available to them to become more and more like Him as they mature in their Christian walk. That being a choice, some obviously choose not to pursue that goal and instead prefer to live life on their own terms – thus the bumper sticker.

My sincere apologies to those who have been wounded in some way by Christians.  That is a travesty and I know it grieves the heart of God.  Please keep in mind, though, that not ALL who claim to be Christians really are, but in making that claim they certainly do a lot of damage to His name.  Should you be tempted to give up on God or write Him off as a result of what you’ve seen in Christians, may I urge you to read the Bible, especially the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and I Corinthians 13.  It is there you will see the love of God up close and personal.  Jesus, the Son of God (and God Himself), comes on the scene of this broken, needy world to heal the sick and save the lost.  His love is unprecedented and unconditional.  He was a servant and a Savior, filled with kindness, compassion, grace and mercy.

What He offered to the lost and hurting over 2000 years ago, He offers still today, forgiveness, healing, restoration, a life worth living and the assurance of eternal life with Him forever.

So, how does one begin the process of entering into a relationship with God?

Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

In other words, it is impossible to enter into a relationship with God apart from believing in the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. (You can read more about that in the book of John in the Bible.)

You must begin by acknowledging the truth about Jesus and what God requires.  Then, you must believe and confess what you believe.

Romans 10:9 says, “if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

The next thing is to repent of your sin.  Sin is living life your way, not God’s; believing you don’t need Him and life is perfectly ok without Him.  You have a “throne” in the center of your heart occupied by someone.  Without Christ, you are on the throne, where you reign in all your sinfulness, pride and rebellion.  Becoming a Christian means taking yourself off the throne and placing God there instead.  You ask God for forgiveness and invite Him to take His rightful place as Lord of your life.

Such a gift of mercy, forgiveness and assurance of eternal life, can’t help but cause a grateful heart so sing. So offer Him the praise and thanksgiving He deserves, for your newly found salvation.

Growth, becoming more like Christ, is an important aspect of the Christian walk. This happens as you spend time in His Word, the Bible, on a daily basis.  Start by reading the book of John. The Bible is God’s living Word.  It is relevant and meaningful to every aspect of your life.  The more you know the Word, the more you will know God and what He has planned for you.

Join a local church where God’s Word, not man, is the focus.  Being around other Christians will be encouraging and help you stand strong in your new faith.

Pray often.  Prayer is just simple communication with God.  No fancy words or deep thoughts are necessary.  Using God’s own Words and praying them back to Him is a powerful and uplifting way to pray.

Finally, enjoy your salvation.  You have not joined a religious organization, but have entered into an intimate relationship with your Creator that will change your life forever!

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