“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
Why would anyone want to be a follower of Christ? It seems an odd question to be asked in this newsletter, considering that Christians maintain it. This question is worth asking because it may be the most challenging question a believer will face when trying to share their faith with another. We know there are many legitimate responses based on biblical references and theological arguments, but remember that little of that made sense before we believed. Did a logical argument convince us, or did we start thinking about Jesus after someone told us how He affected them? Can we tell others the differences in our lives after becoming followers?
Whether we believed in Jesus 25 years or 25 minutes ago, we should expect to see changes in ourselves. Some changes occur instantaneously, while others require time and effort. When we accept Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to change us, we can recognize and measure changes like those recorded in Galatians 5:22-23. Do you want to share a reason why people should want to follow Jesus? Tell them how you used to be a miserable so-and-so that flew off the handle at the slightest provocation. Tell them self-control and gentleness seemed to overtake you after you accepted and started to follow Jesus, and you changed. Admit that you still slip and react poorly at times, but not as often or in the same way you did before. If we share a before and after story about a change in our life, we may even slip into the “and I get to spend eternity with Jesus” truth.
If you take a few minutes to reflect on your life before you chose to follow Jesus, and then think about how the decision came about, and then identify changes that have occurred since your conversion, you will find that you have the reason why someone would want to follow Jesus.
“Father, thank you for choosing to change me. Holy Spirit, thank you for revealing the truth to me. Jesus, thank you for the sacrifice that allowed me to choose you. God continue to change me and use me to share with others. Amen”
