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| A 2X4? Give Me a Break! |
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I was reminded this morning, while reading blog comments, that it was (and is?) very popular to give "life defying" testimonies in church. In fact, when I was young in the Christian faith, I listened to many of these testimonies and thought, "Wow what I powerful message! I wish I had been hit by a 2X4 or something so I could have a life-surviving testimony, too." For years, I thought that my Christian testimony lacked what God needed in me to be an effective witness for him. Give me a break!
I was never into drugs. I am not an alcoholic. I was not part of a dysfunctional family. I have never been involved in a devastating auto accident. I could go on telling you what experiences I didn't have, but I've learned that it is more profitable to tell my story as it stands. I want to mention, however, that I am thankful to God for helping folks to overcome the difficulties in their lives. I certainly do not want to devalue their testimonies and ability to convince others of God's overcoming power.
People in our post modern society have become more skeptical of the organized church, their ability to trust Christian leaders and even the sincerity of "powerfully converted" Christians. I think the Christian testimony of today should be less "let me convict you with this dramatic story...and let me convince you that you need Jesus" and more "I haven't 'arrived' yet, but let me tell you how Jesus is influencing my life."
The salvation experience is not confined to walking the aisle, saying a prayer, noting a Spiritual birthday or a formulaic principle. The salvation experience is walking with Jesus on a daily basis. For me, the Christian experience was not about having a convicting testimony, it was about sharing the light. It was about how my attitude and values changed. It was about loving and giving. It was about being thankful. It was about walking in the light.
Needless to say, as my Christianity matured, I found out that I didn't need that 2X4 to hit me in the head. God already did his thing...in my heart!
1:5 And this is the message which we have heard from him and announce unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 1:7but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
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| To add a comment to "A 2X4? Give Me a Break!" |
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| April 28, 2008 |
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| Ed, what an awesome blog! I see your testimony is boring like mine. But I love the point you made, that the true "salvation experience is walking with Jesus on a daily basis", undeterred by the world around us. You and I appear to have a bit in common! :-) |
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| April 28, 2008 |
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| Great blog, and it made me think of MikeandLaura's blog that he mentioned above...we don't have to have something big to tell our story. It can be simple and boring, but God can use it either way, to show His glory if we just let him. |
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| April 28, 2008 |
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| Ed! haha we knew you was boring and we love it! Awesome blog brother! |
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| May 02, 2008 |
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Ed, I enjoyed reading this. I think David Phelps once said; "God has to work just as hard to KEEP us as He did to GET us." Basically, any salvation experience is a miracle and we should be focused on what happens AFTER salvation rather than how we got there. |
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| May 05, 2008 |
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Mike -- I just read your similar blog, "...boring like mine". I like the phrase "testimony envy" you used. That about sums it up for me, too!
Deb -- I've used my "simple and boring" testimony and it has helped others. Don't you think others feel like their "boring" testimonies are inconsequential, too?
Cheryl -- Boring? Me boring? My testimony might be, but not me!
Troy -- You're right on with that comment, Troy. By the way, I heard you'll be in town soon. Don't forget that motorcycle ride you promised! (See, Cheryl, I'm not so boring!) |
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| May 05, 2008 |
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You are so right bro Ed, our REAL Christian testimony is about how we live AFTER God touched our lives. I can't even tell you exactly when I was born again..but I sure KNOW I am!
PS - I have it narrowed down to sometime in 1972 :). |
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| May 05, 2008 |
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| Ed if you ask me those are the best kind of testimonies. One that is true and sincere that glorifies God and not the sins of our past. Some of us are tender-hearted and receive the gospel when we hear it, whereas for some it takes a 2 by 4 upside the head or worse. I think your testimony is exciting, not what happened before you came to Christ, but what has happened since you have come to Christ. Let me encourage you to let the light and love of Jesus shine through you! |
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| May 05, 2008 |
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| Amen, Ed! Jesus was nailed to the "2x4's," and He is the Power of Christianity! There is beauty in the fact that He welcomes those of every story and background. |
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| May 05, 2008 |
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Charlie -- Soooo...you're like 36 years old, spiritually speaking of course! But then again, who cares just so that you are part of His family now!
Brother Todd -- That's a good point about not glorifying the sin. Thanks for the encouragement
Kathy -- That's a good point, too, about Jesus being nailed to the "2x4s".
So many good and encouraging comments, thanks! |
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| May 08, 2008 |
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| Wow, so my spiritual age is 36! I guess it's time I started acting like it :)!! |
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| May 21, 2008 |
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| I think you are a treasure, and I love the truth in this post. Let your light shine, Ed. |
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| May 30, 2008 |
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Charlie -- See, you're younger than you think!
Joey -- Thanks, I needed that!
Preacher -- I've heard it put this way, "If you talk the talk, then walk the walk". But I like your version, it stresses the importance of being an example, rather than a mouthpiece. Here's the opposite: "Do what I say, not what I do"!! |
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