No Regret

I am, once again, inspired by a song by Lecrae... I'm not too embarrassed because, really, hardly any of my blogs aren't inspired by someone who is much wiser than myself. In this song Lecrae reflects on the life that he has walked away from while the chorus (sang by Suzy Rock) asks "Was it worth it- the hurt, and the pain, and the life I chose?" Quickly it is answered with "I'll do it again in a heartbeat."

I heard a question once, I don't know where from, but the question was something like "If there was no eternal life, would you still follow Jesus?" So, what would you say? I think the way that we answer that question is very telling. If you answer no, then do you believe that your life (the finite one)  is none the better for following Jesus? That is for you to wonder, but I want to share with you why I would still say "I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

Thankfully there is eternal life awaiting me, and I've never been more sure of that then now. It is interesting to ask the question above, though. I don't want to contradict 1 Corinthians 15, because I do know that we will raise with Christ. The hypothetical question isn't really the important part, because it is just that- hypothetical. I simply want to share with you the joy of my life in Christ.

I was not a Christian until high school, so I can remember life before God. As I've said before, that is somewhat of a humbling privilege. I don't remember a whole lot because middle schoolers aren't the most contemplative bunch, but I do know the difference in my life. 

If you knew me at all, you would know that I was awkward physically, socially, and emotionally. I dealt with a little bit of depression, at times even wondering what difference my existence even made. My brother in Christ, Sam Landis, was instrumental in leading me to Christ- not just planting a seed, but growing it as well. I'm sure if you asked him he would, rightfully, tell you that is was all God. God used a young man's faithfulness to draw me in, and I changed...a lot!

People who knew me well enough before knew that I cursed like a sailor, wanted a girlfriend more desperately than I wanted God, and had no driving purpose in my life. God has changed me so much that I don't even recognize it at times. For example: the person I am now would only be the wildest day-dream of myself 4 years ago. The things I struggled with back then are silly to me know, but that is without a doubt only by the grace of God working in me.

What I Missed: I left behind some opportunities by accepting Christ. No it wasn't some kind of sports scholarship (which some folks are more than happy to tell you about) but I did miss out on some things that the world sees as valuable. I left behind the typical idea of what high school is all about: getting drunk, getting high, stacking money, staying fly, living up the players life (another Lecrae reference). In all honesty, I was probably far too gawky and bashful to pull any girls, but I wanted nothing more than to get chicks. That would probably be the driving force behind my life had I not encountered Christ. The funny thing is, a lot of guys I know still live for that.

What I Gained: I could certainly talk about this for much longer than what I missed, and I will probably write a whole 'nother post about it. I have been thinking about this post for days and thinking about how my cup overflows with joy! As I sit here, I am saved, sanctified, joyful (not just happy), and hopeful because I know that someday I will be glorified with Jesus! Don't mistake all this joy for being a therapeutic remedy for my once melancholy life; I have counted the cost and have made the informed, intelligent decision to follow Christ. Now that I have, I can tell you confidently that what I "gave up" to follow Christ is infinitesimally trivial compared to the joy that I have now, and the greater joy that awaits me. I don't follow Jesus because he makes my life better, and sometimes my life is a lot harder because I do, but my life is better because I have decided to follow him. Any hardships I face are met with the promise of James 1, Romans 8, and Matthew 6. I used to deal with anxiety, but I have peace with God. I used to desperately need the approval of people, but now I have been called a co-heir with Christ. I used to want money and a big house, now I am content with whatever my circumstance. There is nothing I'd rather be doing than following the will of God.

Please don't mistake my words for arrogance because I wouldn't have any of this peace apart from God. I have made mistakes and will surely make more, and there are some things that I would take back if I could. But if you ask me about following Jesus at the end of my life, "Was it worth it- the hurt, and the pain, and the life [you] chose?" I'd do it again in a heartbeat. When I die I'll have no regret.

Can you say the same?