Motivations

“They approach and come forward; each helps the other and says to his brother, 'Be strong'!” Isaiah 41:5b-6

What in the world would possess me to write this oft-embarassing tale of how I lived a majority of my adult life?! I have several motivations; here are a few.

One is a call for transparency in Christians. The world has a skewed version of Christianity, and I'm afraid a lot of that falls on us. We try to put on fake smiles and have bumper-sticker slogans, which only comes across as shallow and empty. If we follow the words of 1 Peter 3:15 ("always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have"), we can bring hope, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus to those who look at our lives, the good and the bad we've been through, and want to know how and why we handle things differently. If you've been through a prodigal experience or a trial, please share openly with others...turn the pain or embarassment into something that can be healing for you and helpful for others. "At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior" Titus 3:3-5.

Another reason I'm sharing my journey is to encourage others who have made mistakes and feel unworthy that you are, indeed, worthy of the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ! Don't be like those spoken of in Romans 1:25, where it says "they exchanged the truth of God for a lie!" In John 8:44, we're plainly told that satan is the father of lies ; here's how he's described: "He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." So when you feel like you could never be forgiven or 'good enough' and like you're the only one who's ever screwed up, acknowledge that it's only satan, lying again....

And last, I do hope that someone who maybe had been struggling with thinking that a person, a thing, or a changed situation is what they need for fulfillment might just give it a second thought. As you can see, I journeyed from person to person and situation to situation, and I found no fulfillment! In John 10:10, Jesus said "the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." If you want real joy and fulfillment, turn to Jesus. If you're not sure where to begin, I would advise you to start by reading the book of John in the Bible, opening up a prayer conversation with God, and seeking a Christian to help you begin a journey of faith and salvation! If you once were faithful to Jesus and went on a circular desert journey, as I did, repent and start anew!