As a child I was under
the impression that the Bible and all things I was
taught at church were merely allegorical (possibly
true) stories. They were a guide for the way my
parents and society expected me to live.
However, I came to believe that God is real, and that
his Son Jesus was given as an unblemished sacrifice to
atone for my sins and the sins of others throughout
the ages. As an act of appreciation and love for
Jesus, I try to live by His teachings as recorded in
the Bible, I also try to obey his direction through
His Holy Spirit dwelling within God's Temple, namely,
my body.
Actually, I would not
have chosen those exact words back then, and I don't
think my understanding was quite that developed.
Even a year ago, I don't think I would have understood
words like "atone" in the way I do today.
I am sure that, as I mature as a Christian, I will
gain more of an insight into what being a Christian is
all about. But my original faith was genuine.
I believe in Christ.
Part of that belief involves a desire to follow his
teachings which emphasize compassion, outreach, love,
and mercy. But my belief is not merely by blind
faith, I have evidence of God's workings. I can
discern between the urging of His Holy Spirit in me
and my own thinking. Some people think of the
Holy Spirit as their conscience, but they are not the
same. Conscience is driven by society; the Holy
Spirit is driven by God. For example, suppose I
am approached by a panhandler on the street.
Society (and my conscience) tells me that I should
ignore him, but God's Holy Spirit tells me to meet his
needs.
I like to give in to
God. I can see His constant watching over and
protection of me. As an engineer, I think
logically. I like to study theology (the study
of God), for doing so gives me greater insight into
just how marvelous God actually is. i like to
make guesses and theories about God (ask me sometime
how quantum mechanics can explain the dichotomy of
predestination vs. free will). Although I
have understanding of many things of God, few things
are absolutely clear. However, if I delve into
something particular about God, I am inevitably given
satisfactorily consistent understanding through His
Holy Spirit, typically answered forthright in the
Bible. Oftentimes there is prerequisite
knowledge and wisdom needed for full understanding.
My testimony is best
shared individually, customized to reflect the
concerns and interests for those who hear it, as God
customizes His love for each one of us.
With the Love of the
Lord Jesus Christ,
Curtis Smith
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