Why?

I know this guy that made a complete lifestyle change. He was in the youth group, in the band, read his bible, prayed, sought after God, and was your typical crazy teen Christian. Why then did he turn his back? Why did he run? What made him say "I am no longer a Christian, because that is what I have been taught my whole life." What was the point? Why waste all that time? I mean, how can one devote his whole life to God, and then completely turn his back on Him. I mean I had years where I lived totally away from what God wanted me to. That is not what I am talking about though. I am talking about a complete refusal of who God is. Even at my worse I knew God was real, and I knew Jesus died for my sins. I wonder then if he is even a Christian now? Has he lost his salvation, and for those who believe in "once saved always saved" was he ever a Christian at all? It breaks my heart that people can turn from this awesome life that Jesus gives us. Freedom, forgiveness, grace, power, confidence, assurance, eternity, these are all things that Jesus means to me. I couldn't imagine living without these.

He is just another statistic now. For those who haven't read Pastor Jeremiah's blog you really need to. If these statistics do not upset you, then I do not know how you can call yourself a Christian. So many people hear the message of Jesus, but they don't listen to it. Maybe I am just stupid, but I feel that that can change. Why not? Why not a generation that doesn't leave the church after High School. What if our Colleges were overrun with crazy Christians. The kind of Christians we read about in Paul's Epistles. Ones that say "Your going to kill me for my beliefs? To die is gain! Let's get it on!". It could happen.

Seeing how my friends (not most of them, just some) have grown up and chosen to live breaks my heart. Most I know are Christians still, but they are missing the point. The life Christ gives us is so much more exciting when we do it His way. They are just going through life, rather than living life! The bible says that Jesus comes to give life and give it MORE abundantly! More abundantly than what? THAN THEY WAY WE WOULD LIVE IT! Wake-up people and realize that life is more than just the next thrill and satisfaction! I am sorry that I sound a little fired up, it just sucks seeing people make choices sometimes.

My prayer is that this friend would realize what he is doing and come home. Like the prodigal son in the bible, there is this awesome grace that says he can turn back to God at any time and see a smiling Jesus with arms open wide, ready to welcome His son back into the true way to live life. Enough said.

AG