Reflection Time...

Carrying The Cross

Yesterday was Easter, or Resurrection Sunday. As a Christian, I believe Easter is about the resurrection of Jesus from the death on the cross. When I was a kid, I focused on the easter basket I typically received full of candy, but this year I have a whole new perspective on the day.

This year I really investigated what Jesus did for us. If you read in the gospels, it tells the story of how everything went down (Luke 22-23). Jesus was an innocent man, both Pilate and Herod said he was innocent, but the people chanted for him to be put to death. The same people he was trying to save were wanting him dead. 

He was mocked, tortured, and had his authority on earth stripped off. He endured all this but remained calm, accepted his fate, and didn’t give in when he was questioned. He knew what he was here to do, and he chose to pay the price for all of us. He did all of that even though we don’t deserve it. The people in his time didn’t deserve it either. That is the beauty behind the brutality of what happened.

I have made lots of mistakes, done things I shouldn’t have, thought of impure things, etc. I am in no way, shape, or form perfect. The reality is that none of us are perfect. No matter how much someone puts that façade out there, they are not perfect either. That includes church leaders as well. I see a lot of hate towards Christians or the religious people in general. Some of it is warranted to be honest. Not every Christian is a good representation of Jesus, which should be our goal. I have lived a long time not being a good one myself. I have fallen short a lot, refused to live out the word, and even refused to believe a lot of things that are said in the bible. 

Jesus giving his life for our sins, paid the price for our shortcomings. That doesn’t mean that we can get away with doing whatever we want though. It means that if we truly live to honor God, and follow his word, we can be forgiven of when we don’t quite measure up. 

I don’t believe it is too late for anyone to repent, and live the life we are meant to live. It doesn’t matter how much you have fallen in the past, there is still hope for your life to be better. 

Join me this week in reflecting on your life. Think of your focus, what is important to you, how are your thoughts, do your actions reflect something positive? Those types of questions will lead you on a path to improving your life. It will point out when you mess up. I know that once I finally, truly gave my life to Jesus, my discernment of what is good and bad shifted dramatically. 

I have always struggled speaking about my faith to others. I guess I have always been afraid of rejection to be honest. These days, I feel it is my duty. I don’t intend to push anything on you, or try to change your beliefs, I respect other’s opinions. I only intend to get you to think and reflect on the choices you are making in your life and if they are working for you.