Perspective

A young girl got baptized at our church today.

She had been to summer camp and heard the gospel in a whole new way and decided that she wanted to give her heart to Jesus. Her whole family gathered to watch her dip in the river (baptismal) and her sins roll away.

It was a beautiful sight.

It made me remember.

I gave my heart to Jesus when I was but nine years of age.

My dad did not want me to. He thought me too young to be making such a big decision.

Mom, the pastor, and I talked and I think I begged some until my dad finally relented. He didn't come to my baptism. He did not approve he had just surrendered.

I will never forget that day. I made my confession of faith, followed the pastor to the dipping tank, stepped into the freezing waters, and believed with all of my heart that Jesus had suffered and died and rose again ... for me! Sin lost it's hold on me as the pastor's strong arms helped guide me out of those freeing waters.

Something magnificent happened in my heart that day! I became a new creature in Christ!

I wish I could say that I never made another mistake after that ... never sinned again ... never had reason to regret. I have fallen short so many times. Perhaps that is what my dad knew would happen. Could it have been the cause of his hesitation?

The difference was that the Lord no longer would see me as a sinner ... from that moment on He saw me as His child. What would He ever do with a child who would make so many mistakes? He would correct me, love me, and call me back until I got it right. He still does that today.

Was I too young to make such an important decision? Perhaps, but the Lord has enough grace to keep me until the day when He will come again. Thank you, Jesus!