I sat in a classroom of the catholic church listening to a man explain baptism, why they do it, why it was important. He told us how it was our pathway to heaven, how we should thank Mary for the blessing of the child who was to be baptized, how we should pray to the saints--especially our designated saint because he could help us, lighting candles had power as well as the rosary....foolishness. I felt so awkward sitting there listening to that foolishness. I could tell this man deeply belived in his religion and all that it entailed and also that He truly loved God, but he was so off track. Inside I felt like I was screaming "this is all wrong! How could anyone believe this foolishness! You are so close to the truth, but so far away!" In the middle of my musings, Christ interrupted my thoughts, and He asked me a question. I know when God takes the time to speak He has something important to say.
"Is it possible that I could find more favor with this man than you? Despite his foolish beliefs, might I find more favor in the purity and the passion of his heart than yours?"
For 7 days I pondered this, and I have come to the conclusion that it is not enough to be right, to blieve the truth is only the first step. I should never cease to have passion and purity for Christ. I should never give a half-hearted effort. I should follow hard after God all the days of my life. I need the fire that pushes me closer towards Christ everyday. Without this fire I will slowly give in, slowly slip, and before I know it I will be somewhere I never expected to be. Backsliding doesn't happen all at once; it happens a little inch at a time. I have lost the fire, and I have been inching ever so slowly, but I will not let it continue. I am seeking the fire, because I need it, not to live, but to thrive! Christ saved my life, but the rest is up to me. He will not move, until I do.
