Why I Choose To Be a Christian



Posted: Tuesday, March 03, 2009

by John Waddey
firstcenturychristian

When I was a boy it was considered a desirable and recommended thing to become a Christian. Being a Christian was a valuable character reference. It often aided one in securing employment or getting a loan. Cities welcomed churches in their midst as did residential communities. Even in such ordinary things as friendship, dating and courtship, being a Christian was a strong recommendation. A half century has now passed and our society has lost its anchor. We have drifted so far away from those former values that they now seem strange and totally antiquated to the average American. One need only watch the daily news to know that we are not the better for our drift.

Today, a significant portion of our society views Christianity as a relic from the past that is no longer useful or needed in life. Others see Christianity as a nuisance that stirs up feelings of guilt and shame about their immoral life style. Yet others consider Christianity as an enemy that must be destroyed or at least driven into exile if they are to succeed in building their secular society. The number of people who take Christianity seriously has certainly diminished in our lifetime. Many of the churches that continue to exist have so compromised and corrupted themselves that they and their members cannot be distinguished from their worldly neighbors. Still, there is a righteous remnant that strives to serve God according to his directions (Rom. 9:27). They take seriously their commitment to Christ and make every effort to live soberly righteously and godly (Tit. 2:12) in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation (Phil. 2:15).

There are good reasons for us to commit our lives to Christ:

* Only in Christ can I have full and complete forgiveness of all my sins (I John 1:7).

* As God's child, I have a solid hope and assurance of a home with God in heaven (John 14:1-3). This means I can live without fear of death and the future.

* In Christ, I have a network of friends who are among the best people in the world. While none are perfect, they are far above the average in sincerity, honesty, truthfulness, purity, loyalty, kindness, etc. (Phil. 4:8-9).

* By committing myself to the standards of Christ I am thereby a better marriage partner and parent.

* As a Christian I am a better friend, neighbor and employee (Matt. 7:12; 22:39).

* Being a Christian makes me a better citizen in my community and my nation. I am no bother to my neighbor. I need no law enforcement officers to make me behave properly. I live by the laws of the state and nation. I support every good and noble work and oppose all evil. I honor my rulers and pay my taxes (Rom. 13:7). I raise my children to do the same.

* Because I am a Christian, I accept full responsibility for my conduct. I acknowledge my mistakes and correct them.

* My commitment to Christ teaches me to be an honest worker, providing for myself and my family (I Tim.5:4,8). I do not expect others to provide for me (II Thess. 3:10).

* Christ teaches me to be a good Samaritan to those who are in trouble (Luke 10:30-37). I remember the poor (Gal.2:10). I earn my living by honest labor and am willing to assist the truly unfortunate (Eph. 4:28).

* By being a Christian I am privileged to represent Christ and his kingdom to those about me. I am a light to those living in ignorance and sin (Matt 5:14). I am the salt of the earth, providing a wholesome and pleasant flavor in my family, social and work environment (Matt. 5:13)..

* By being part of God's faithful remnant on earth, I help to preserve our nation from divine judgment because of the wickedness of others. (Gen. 18:32).

* Living for Christ in this life means that a glorious future awaits me. When Christ returns, I will be raised from the grave to spend an endless future with all the saved of all the ages (I Thess.5:16-17). There in the new Jerusalem we will feast on the tree of life, drink of the water of life and praise the Father and the Son for their grace and mercy in saving us (Rev. 22:1-3).

There are more reasons, but these should be enough to persuade you to also cast your lot with Christ. He waits with outstretched arms to receive you (Matt. 11:28). Today is the day of salvation (II Cor. 6:2).

This Article has been viewed 359 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.