I Have My Own Views about God!

“Me, have an ego problem? No way!” At least, that’s what I would have said before I became a Christian. Now, however, I can see how self-centered I really was. For example, after concerts, of which I was the lead guitarist, I would go out and party with the band and always end up drunk or on some kind of drug to get a good feeling for myself. As for premarital sex, it didn’t bother me a bit because it really gratified me, and I didn’t have much respect either for my body or those of others. Another area that self-centeredness showed itself was in my lack of respect for authority. I wanted to be the one in control. Stubbornness was characteristic of my life as well. And though I didn’t pretend to know everything, when someone would offer me advice, rather than accept it, I would choose to learn on my own. An irony was that, in spite of having plenty of friends, I was really lonely on the inside. I knew something was missing from my life, but I could not pinpoint it. Because I thought satisfaction would come from material things, I got a job making $500 a week and then bought all sorts of things such as drumsets, guitars, amplifiers, truck accessories, and other expensive toys. In spite of this, I didn’t feel like I was making enough money, so I decided to go to college and become an engineer. Though I grew up in one of the oldest church denominations, I was confused about who God was. Therefore, I made up my own theory about God and then blew Him off by ignoring Him. Then one day, while I was at college, a stranger shared a booklet with me on how to become a Christian and be able to go to heaven when I die. I thought about it for a while. Finally, I made the decision to put my trust in Christ as my Savior by believing that He died for all of my sins so that I would be completely forgiven and have eternal life.

Since receiving Christ that day, many changes have taken place in my life. For example, I quit smoking, drinking, and doing drugs. I also learned that sex was designed by God for marriage as an expression of true love and commitment. As a result, I’ve gained a respect for both my body and those of others. Also, I don’t have to have lots of money or material possessions to be satisfied because my relationship to Christ satisfies. As for learning both to take advice from others and to submit to God-ordained authority, I’m making progress.

In short, Christ has changed my view of life completely. He has given me purpose and meaning for living and has filled that gap in my heart. I can now live a complete and satisfying life with someone I truly trust. I love Christ, and there is nothing I would rather do in life than serve Him. As Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing (John 15:5).”

D.M.D.