Go fish!

I pretty much love South Carolina. Those of you who know me well can attest to the fact that I've been a diehard Clemson fan all my life, and that I own pretty much every piece of palm tree/crescent moon apparel that was ever stitched. I'm proud of my southern accent and southern hospitality, and I'd take an evening at Liberty Idol over a night in New York City any time. I have never lived outside of South Carolina, and if I never do, I'd be okay with that. Living in the south rocks.

Unfortunately, our ability to witness does not.

See, the problem with living in the "bible belt" is that everyone is a Christian--or at least they say they are. It's such a standard part of our upbringing that we can say "I believe in God," and most of us are never actually challenged to prove it. You live in the South, so you "were just raised that way."

When I was a kid, I went to church with my family pretty regularly. Over time, it got to be not-so-regularly. By the time I was in, say, middle school, it was never (with the exception of Easter). I still "believed in God," but I didn't feel that I needed to attend church to prove that.

Now, before I go any further, let me say that I still believe a person can be saved without being inside the walls of a church. I also believe a person can be UNsaved and spend their entire lives inside the church.

Anyway, I was out of church for a while. I wasn't reading The Bible regularly either. I still prayed sometimes...when I was desperate for something...but over all, I can't remember a single time that I ever pursued a relationship with Christ from about 10th grade until...well, about a year ago.

If you are a Christian and you've known me for at least a year, that should sting a little bit.

I am not saying that you or anyone else should have catered to my apathy. I don't believe in giving piggyback rides to salvation. Still, as Christians, we are called to be disciples, so how come so many of us go through life without ever having a hard conversation with someone that we KNOW is not following Christ? Why do we accept "I believe in God" as a salvation ticket when we know it isn't enough?

If you know someone who is not living a life that is reflective of what they say they believe, they probably don't really believe that. I can say that with authority because I've been there.

For me, it wasn't like I was saying "I believe in God" with my fingers crossed behind my back. I didn't feel like I was lying. I had been conditioned to say it and believe it. I just wasn't living it or understanding it. I guess I did believe there was a God, but so does satan.

Believing in God and having a relationship with God are not the same thing, and I did not have a relationship with God.

That has changed for me, for what it's worth, but that's not really the point. There is still a world full of apathetic Christians that aren't being reached.

Christ said "follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19)

That passage has been weighing heavily on my heart for months.

Am I following Christ? Am I fishing?

I am challenging myself to try harder and try longer. It's not always going to be easy. It may take more than one talk. But I'm going to try anyway.

So, of course, your prayers are always appreciated, but joining me on this mission would be more appropriate.

Who do you know that doesn't live for Christ? I'm sure you can think of someone.

Right isn't always cheap

The last few days have been torture for me.

It's not that serious, really. I'm just moving. And I've moved so many times that my family and I could easily operate a professional moving business, so it's not like I'm new at this. It's just hard living out of two places when neither one of them feels quite like home.

Anyway, I'm moving.

I have been so frustrated with all that goes into moving--the finances, the physical labor, the chaos that becomes your life when you box up everything you own...

The other day, I actually thought to myself "it would be so much easier if I hadn't even taken this job."

Those of you who know me know how big of a deal that is. I hated my last job's guts. I hated it so much that I would sit at work and apply for jobs all day long. I was openly unhappy with what I did, and while I was ready to take just about anything that would get me out of that place, all I really wanted to do was become a staff writer.

My wish came true, and before I knew it, I was wishing it away.

I love my job as a reporter, I really do. I even like the town that I'm living in. But still, it doesn't change the fact that I'm going to have highs and lows. In fact, the more you have to lose in life, the more stress, anxiety, and frustration you feel, or at least that's been my experiences.

It has really brought me back to the realization that God knows me better than I know me.

Sunday night at church, I was honestly on top of the world. I witnessed over 100 people get saved. I heard God's promises get preached and USED. I was challenged spiritually, and I was pumped about getting closer to Christ.

It's amazing what 3 days can do to your spirit though.

It's only Wednesday, and this morning, I felt weighed down by the struggles of this life.

I got on facebook a while ago, and a friend had posted Psalm 15:4 : "Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD, and keep their promises even when it hurts."

In other words, do the right thing, even when it isn't in your benefit.

I won't go into all the ways that applied to what's going on with me personally. I'll just say this: if you're a Christian, you made a promise to follow Christ. How would Christ handle what's going on in your life right now?

...do the right thing, even when it costs you.

Happy Wednesday, folks. Work week's almost over! :)