The Importance of a Personal Decision

It was June the 10th 1974 in my new home church with a man by the name of Bill Moore.

As a Christian man, it is crucial for me to address a common misconception that prevails among many who claim to be lifelong Christian followers of Christ. While being brought up in a Christian family and attending church services provide a nurturing environment, it does not automatically ensure a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In truth, a conscious moment of accepting Christ into one's life is fundamental for becoming a true follower of Christ, regardless of one's upbringing or background.

The Misconception

It is a wonderful thing to be raised in a Christian home, attend church regularly, and grow up with Christian values and teachings. It lays a solid foundation in one's spiritual journey. However, this nurturing environment can sometimes lull people into a false sense of security. Some may assume that they are automatically part of God's family solely because their parents were devoted churchgoers or because they have been surrounded by Christian influences their entire lives.

A Personal Relationship

Christianity is not a mere cultural or family tradition that is passed down through generations. It is more than a set of rules, rituals, or obligations. At its core, Christianity is about having a personal and transformative relationship with Jesus Christ. This means that each individual must consciously choose to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, to surrender their life to Him, and to embrace His teachings and way of life.

The Conscious Moment

No matter how long a person has attended church or how many Bible verses they can recite from memory, salvation is an individual experience. Jesus Himself said in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." These words affirm the need for a personal decision to follow Christ.

This conscious moment is characterized by acknowledging that we are sinful beings in need of a Savior, recognizing Jesus Christ as that Savior, and inviting Him to transform our lives. It involves genuine repentance, where we turn away from our sinful ways and make a deliberate choice to pursue a life that is aligned with God's will.

The Encouragement

To those who may have fallen into the misconception that they are automatically part of God's family due to their upbringing, I encourage you to examine your heart honestly. Reflect on whether you have personally accepted Christ into your life, or if it has merely been a passive adherence to religious customs.

It is never too late to make a personal decision to follow Christ. God's grace is abundant, and He eagerly awaits our sincere acceptance of His love and forgiveness. By making this conscious choice, we experience a newfound sense of purpose, joy, and peace in our lives.

While being raised in a Christian home provides a solid foundation, it is essential for each individual to personally accept Christ into their life. The conscious decision to follow Christ is not based on family heritage or participation in religious ceremonies but on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Let us be vigilant in examining our hearts, that we may experience the fullness of God's love and truly become a part of His family, not by birthright, but by faith and decision.

It doesn't have to be in a church or led by a pastor, you can do it in the privacy of where you are. God has an amazing way of meeting us right where we are.

The choice is yours.