Don't Forget!

Don't ever forget those early days when you first learned about Christ.

-Hebrews 10:32 (NLT)

I can still vividly recall the day I heard the gospel message and received the gift of salvation. It was a beautiful August afternoon in Mansfield, Ohio and I was attending a week-long camp with my best friend at Camp Mowana. Our counselor, Molly, took us to the porch of the dining hall (it looked slightly different about 26 years ago!) and poignantly shared the gospel. It was the first time that I realized that because of my sinfulness, I was unable to have a relationship with God. But Jesus Christ came to our world as perfect man and was the perfect sacrifice once and for all for all of my sins. If I confessed my sins and invited Him to be Lord of my life, I would be saved - I would have the rights and privileges to a relationship with my Creator. Wow - I was enamored with the idea! Molly sent us out into the woods individually to contemplate the message she shared. I remember sitting upon a big rock and receiving Christ that day. I am humbled by God's mercy and grace on my life.

Later that week, when my parents picked me up, rather than blabbing on and on about the various events of the week, one of the first things I shared with them was the gospel. I wanted everyone to hear and know, especially my own family. I figured since I had never known about this, they probably didn't either.

I wish I had that same zeal for and confident faith in the Lord 26 years later. It seems like that's not the case - or at least not the case most days. What once were beautiful revelations that transformed me and motivated me have often become familiar duties that are sometimes monotonous. I seem to plod along the narrow path exhausted and worn, uninspired and at times, discouraged. Lord, have mercy on me!

Yet, this is not always the case. I have a hunch the lack of zeal is related to not being in the Word as much as I should. I'm not suggesting that we need to study God's Word for hours a day (although we'd most certainly be better off for it!), but I do think making an effort regularly to renew our minds by spending some quality time in the Bible is key in maintaining zeal and confident trust in the Lord. Psalm 19:7-8 declares,

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.

The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life.

So let us, with fervor, pursue God. "Let [us] not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [our] minds, that [we] may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." And this for His glory alone.

Amen!