Let's go on a journey. Picture this. It's mid-2005. A young, scraggly-haired Matt is standing in the back pews of a church service slightly swaying as the music is being played. He's thinking about what he's going to have for lunch, what he has to do for homework or if he's gotten a MySpace comment. The last thing on his mind is serving others, especially Jesus. A mission trip to Mexico? Mmmm, that requires work. CIY? As long as there'll be hot girls from other youth groups, I'll consider it.
Goodness! It pains me to write this. It's the truth though. In utter honesty, I didn't want anything to do with Jesus. It's as plain and simple as that. Scripture and church were boring. "Yeah, I know, Jesus came to die on earth for my sins, covered by his blood, yadda yadda yadda."
But He rescued me.
No honestly. I look back on some of the things I've done and said in the past and I see another person. A lost kid who just can't seem to find something good to be passionate about. Something that will just be everything I need.
What happened to me?!
The Word of God went from a boring, repetitive book to food for my heart -- I read it everyday and still can't get enough. The caliber of the love of Jesus Christ is made so much clearer to me. My eyes have been opened!
Now that I'm a follower of the Lord, it's my job to share the wealth. This love is too important to keep secret. Though it may cost me things I've grasped tight throughout my life, I can't let a dying world live another minute without them experiencing this same connection I've developed with my Father.
It worked for a lost, sad 15-year-old, so why keep the secret?
Goodness! It pains me to write this. It's the truth though. In utter honesty, I didn't want anything to do with Jesus. It's as plain and simple as that. Scripture and church were boring. "Yeah, I know, Jesus came to die on earth for my sins, covered by his blood, yadda yadda yadda."
But He rescued me.
No honestly. I look back on some of the things I've done and said in the past and I see another person. A lost kid who just can't seem to find something good to be passionate about. Something that will just be everything I need.
What happened to me?!
The Word of God went from a boring, repetitive book to food for my heart -- I read it everyday and still can't get enough. The caliber of the love of Jesus Christ is made so much clearer to me. My eyes have been opened!
Now that I'm a follower of the Lord, it's my job to share the wealth. This love is too important to keep secret. Though it may cost me things I've grasped tight throughout my life, I can't let a dying world live another minute without them experiencing this same connection I've developed with my Father.
It worked for a lost, sad 15-year-old, so why keep the secret?
5 comments:
hmmm....appears to me that maybe God just opened another door for you to go through with this blog. You do know you inspire a lot of people. Even a bald 50 year old man is inspired by a 16 year old who writes of his love for Christ. Keep it up...your journey is just beginning and I love the fact that you allow others to go on it with you!
Mattie I can't even put into words what an awesome person you are becoming. One of our devotions this week was about being a light in a dark world. I think as Mr. P said you have just opened another door with this blog to share your light! Keep up the great work and let your light grow brighter and brighter.
Dude, another amazing post! I relate SO much to what you said, I remember the only reason I would go on youth events somtimes is because I was thinking about the girls, mainly lol. And I am changed, last year I saw women as objects, here we are almost 8 months later and I see them as people, with hearts. The christan walk is a long tough one, but we'll be right here with you bro.
Hey Matt,
What you write is so true. If it wasn't for the big shoulders of Jesus to lean on everyday, this life would be so much tougher than it already is. This dog eat dog world that I work in everyday would be impossible without HIM. You just keep on doing what you are doing, because in my book, there is no greater cause. I love you! Dad
Wow Matt....an earthly father and a heavenly father that send their love....then add Youth Sponsors and friends and your life is so awesome!!
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