Not On Impulse

Though we are probably on different plains of belief and ideology on both the political and spiritual spectrum, I thoroughly enjoy the screenwriting of Aaron Sorkin, creator of the epic television program The West Wing, as well as the shows' predecessor in movie format, The American President.

As I thought about one's belief in God and coming to decision for Christ, I remembered the words from President Andrew Shepherd, towards the close of Sorkin's aforementioned movie.

"America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship. You gotta want it bad, 'cause it's gonna put up a fight. It's gonna say "You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. You want to claim this land as the land of the free? Then the symbol of your country can't just be a flag; the symbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right to burn that flag in protest. Show me that, defend that, celebrate that in your classrooms. Then, you can stand up and sing about the "land of the free"."

If you'll permit, to offer a substitute for America... Christianity.

Christianity isn't easy... you gotta want it!

God doesn't force people to come to faith. He is active in the affairs of humanity.
You gotta want it. You gotta want to see it.

A decision to follow Christ is rarely, if ever, made on impulse.

Eternity hangs in the balance.

As I reflected, I remembered the words of Coach Grant Taylor, from the movie Facing The Giants.

​"Following Jesus Christ is the decision that you're going to have to make for yourself. You may not want to accept it, because it'll change your life. You'll never be the same."

It's difficult, whether as the everyday believer, the charismatic pastor or the humble missionary to watch people go through life, not acknowledging God's handiwork, nor His gift of eternal life through Christ.

Christians aren't perfect... not by any stretch. But whatever people's reasons for refusing the greatness of the grace of God, one thing is sure... many have testified, their life before Christ and their decision to accept Him was not taken lightly. Not without objection; nor deep thought, study and reflection. His Word is true... He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, whether for Him or after Him.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that God would accomplish the miraculous, in the conversations and opportunities taking place, where people are hearing the Good News of Christ. May the truth be revealed in their hearts and the eye-scales removed, that the may see the glory, that is the goodness of God. Pray the love and forgiveness of Christ would indeed change lives. May the hesitations, objections and uncertainties that stand in the way fall to the side... that nothing would separate people from the love of Christ. Not even whatever, long-held beliefs and perceptions of God may exist before-hand.

Changed hearts.
Changed lives.
Won by One.
For the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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