To Choose Christ or Not to Choose Christ - The Christian Online Magazine

chewnky@yahoo.com

In recent years, more than ever before, there seems to be a public disregard to God in our nation. Powerful entities ranging from entertainment to government are nonchalantly setting God to the side.

Take for instance, major movie studios passing on Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ film, which forced him to produce the film himself. Take for instance, the state of Alabama, forcibly removing the Ten Commandments from its courthouses. Take for instance, the recent debate over the Whitehouse Christmas card, which chose "Happy Holidays" over "Merry Christmas." It would appear that even those who proclaim to be followers of Christ, are more concerned with the wrath of public opinion than the wrath of the all mighty God (Matthew 6:24, 7:21).

As a nation, we must not forget it is only because of God that we are brave and free (Proverbs 18:10, Galatians 5:1). We must not forget giving God free reign over our country has been what has made us so successful in such a short period of time. We must not forget it is our acknowledgement of God and the prayers of our ancestors which have kept us a powerful nation (Job 33:4).

If we begin as a nation to disregard God, we begin to disregard our protection. It is much like pulling the roof off of your home. It will only be a matter of time before the course of nature destroys it (Proverbs 4:7). So as a Christian, you must choose a position.

To choose Christ, or not to choose Christ? To the world this question maybe two-sided, but to the children of God there is one answer. We choose Christ! We choose Christ because Jesus is the only begotten son of the living God. We choose Christ because our lives are worthless without the hope and redemption which belief in Jesus brings (John 10:10). We choose Christ, because God will outlast any organization, affiliation, club, or association to which we may belong. We choose Christ because Jesus is the righteous choice and in essence the only choice (Ephesians 2:11).

Make a choice to be completely in the boat with God or into the water. Don’t dangle on the side of the boat. If you do, you may find yourself dead, maybe not physically dead but spiritually dead for sure (Proverbs 1:5).

Hold on dearly to your salvation, it is the only thing which will endure (Proverbs 11:4). Some people think to be Christian is to be meek and mild. This is why they shy away from it. To be Christian, is to be powerful, because God is almighty. Christianity is the world’s only true power because God must stand apart from unrighteousness (Philippians 4:13). To believe what God has said to you, is to believe in the power, courage, and sound mind which he has given you. It is to rest in the fact that all things will workout for your good. Take rest in God and he will take rest in you to comfort your soul (Psalms 16:2).

If you are truly a Christian, then you must practice "heaven." Certain things are common practice in heaven and one of them is the acknowledgement and praise to God for all things. If you plan to participate in heaven, then we must prepare ourselves on earth. So while you are here, practice heaven, in all aspects (Isaiah 52:7).

Make a vow this year to truly seek after the will God has planned for your life. Make a vow to stand apart from those part time Christians who are hindering your closeness to God (Proverbs 13:20). Make a vow to remove those petty issues in your life which are making it difficult to humble yourself before the Father. Make a vow "to Christ!!" (Galatians 6:9)

Michael Bond is the author to Christian to Christian Fellowship Handbook (www.xulonpress.com/bookstore/titles/1597816590.htm or Google search: Christian to Christian by Michael Bond.