When I first gave my life to Christ there were many things that took place that I really wasn't prepared for. I knew in a way they were coming but really wasn't ready for any of them. Honestly a lot of them were negative. Most of my friends, I found out weren't really friends at all. They were more like party pals and once the party stopped they stopped being pals. My family didn't quite understand or know what to do with me. My whole nature changed. The way I talked, what I watched, listened to, etc. all changed. Not only that I was very naively zealous, which also attributed to the fact that my former circle didn't want to be around me. For me there was no middle ground, no simple conversation, it was all about winning them to Jesus. Ironically in that very desire I regretably alienated people. Another negative for me was that I now had to be honest, loving, kind, joyful, etc. and those things do not come natural (even ten years later). Being honest is okay when it suits you, but when you mess up and then have to tell the truth on yourself, the outcome can be very undesirable. Gaining the desire to do the right thing and the conviction of the Holy Spirit and yet now always doing it. These are negative from only my natural or fleshly perspective.
On the other hand I have to look back and say that there have been tremendous positive events that have taken place in my life since Jesus saved me. Outside of the obvious testimony of the assurance that has been granted me concerning my acceptance into the Kingdom of God and thus gaining eternal life there have been some other develops that I would like to focus on. Let me just say that the idea of being at peace and reconciled with God is amazing, and I don't mean to downplay that relationship because out of that flows what I am sharing.
One of the most positive events in my life has been meeting and then marrying my wife Lynette. We met at Messenger College. God led me to that place to learn more about the Bible and ministry and while in that process I met the person who would experience this life with me. I never would have met her had I not come to Christ. Then we began to have children. We have five beautiful children that mean everything to me. Again only possible because of Christ. I learn lessons about a father's love through my relationship with my children. I learn about hope and future through them. It is only because of Jesus. Through my wife I have learned unconditional commitment and love. I have learned to only a small degree the relationship between Christ and His bride. Through Christ I have also become a minister, feeling called to teach others and lead others to Christ. In this role I have been able to learn about healing, the depth and pain of sin and bad choices, about redemption and restoration, and I have seen the best and worst of humanity. Being a follower of Jesus has been far more than "getting saved." It has been an awesome journey that I have only been on for a short time. I expect the negatives to come, but I can also expect to make it through, to learn, and see God turn them to a positive. If someone were to ask me why should I become a Christian, what makes Jesus so special? The answer would be endless and yet at the same time simple. He gave me life and life more abundantly.
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