my own c.s lewis song

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. - C.S Lewis
(Thanks J for sharing that quote - you weren't only speaking to Sunday School students...but Sunday School teachers too!)

What are the implications on my life when I make the choice to follow Christ? For me, I made that choice long ago, and it was, as koosters would call it, an "emotional conversion". Thinking back, I don't think I knew exactly what I was getting myself into - but I do recall an overwhelming sense of love and security. The knowledge that I was unconditionally loved was powerful (and continues to be), and I knew that I desired to know more about this God who had given His Son's life for mine.

Growing up in the church, there is definitely a sense of "knowing it all". After all, I'm a graduate of many a Sunday School class and VBS sessions, and for the most part, listened carefully to sermons. But for a large portion of my Christian walk, there was still a schism between who I was, how I lived, what my dreams were, and...being a Christian. as much as I knew that I was a Christian, it still did not mean much for how I behaved at school or how I spent my money. it's so natural to not think twice about this - and I'm not saying that I behaved much differently outside of church (cuz I think, for most of us, the difference isn't necessarily so dramatic), but my belief in God rarely factored into everyday decisions.

(Wow, this is turning out longer than I expected. I started writing this to address my struggle with anger and forgiveness...but hmmm, another post for that then)

The more I learn about this amazing Grace that's been offered to me, the more I appreciate c.s lewis' words. to live faithfully for my God, to respond to the gift of life that's been granted to me freely, I need to look at the world through His eyes. I need to make every decision, whether big or small, with the mindset of wanting to glorify and honour His name.

the difficulty of this lies in making decisions that may be socially unconventional. it may mean not buying a car, not living in the suburbs, travelling less, more time spent at home/in the community vs. at work, eating locally, reading more, picking a less well-paid job position...

maybe this is what means to love God from the inside out...I've always wondered about that line in "to the ends of the earth", where it writes: "I would give the world to tell Your story". maybe in order to share the love of Christ, we need to give up our desires for worldly things - even when it causes us discomfort, embarrassment, and funny looks.