Individuality & Faith
By Erik Farstad
February 27, 1998
"For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith." Hebrews 4:2
A reader asks: What do you feel you contribute to the world by your faith? By your personal individuality?
What I hope and pray that my faith will do is point the way to Jesus Christ. I hope to contribute through sharing Christ’s love and life changing power with someone who does not Him, or by encouraging fellow believers to continue to strive for Christ-likeness. Why me, why do I feel I should contribute in this manner? First and most importantly, God commands it. Secondly, and more intimately, I know what life is like with and without Christ. I have lived the dark life; the pain, the hurt and loneliness. Admitting I needed Jesus was the best decision I ever made. In time my pain was replaced with a forgiving love. If I can share this gift with someone, anyone, than I will! If I don’t, I’m a selfish person.
My faith...my individuality...what is this really? I experienced more things in my life by the age of seventeen, than I would wish upon anyone. I new more about anger, death, sadness, drinking, drugs, sex and loneliness, than I’d like to even admit. If I didn’t do it myself, I had knowledge about things that would make any parent cringe. What I saw, experienced or lived through was a world full of dark events, a world without the light of Christ. I am open about these things, because it is these things that have helped create my individuality, especially in how I share my faith with others. And I know that there are many out there that were just like me.
If I can share Christ with someone who has been through a similar experience, like the death of a parent, they too can see that no pain is too big for Jesus! Due to my individuality, my approach or way of sharing my faith, I can reach a certain ‘kind’ of people. Everyone has their way of sharing with others that is different and special than anyone else. I truly believe that is why God created so many different kinds of people, to reach the many different multitudes of people out there. If everyone were like me, only those that could relate to me would be reached.
We are unique, wonderful creations of God. No matter what your experiences, past or background, you can make a difference in this world! I feel real strongly that Christians need to be real with people. You need to be honest and straight to the point. "If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you will eventually live an eternity in HELL!" Life here on earth, is just practice for eternity. That is why I do not have trouble talking about my past. If my openness can change only one persons life, than it was worth it. The message being sent is that I no longer am that person living in darkness but have found the light of Jesus Christ. That, my friends, is the message that you need to send and that millions need to hear. If Jesus’ death on a cross can change my life, then He can definitely change yours too!
Your life here on earth is practice for either Heaven or Hell. Where do you want to play your eternal game?
In Him, "E"