Sweet Home Santa Barbara

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Why I'm a Christian

This post has been brewing in my head for some time now. 

So today, I explain why I'm a Christian. 

Ready? Here we go. 


I've talked a few times on the blog about January 1st, 2012. About that moment. 

The moment when I lifted my hands as high as they could reach, and confessed that I was desperate for God. 

The moment when I realized that I had to surrender my entire life. Not just Sunday mornings. 

The moment when it hit me that the past 8 and a half years that I had thought of myself as a Christian, I really had no idea what it looked like to live like one. 

But you know what I haven't talked about? Why I felt that way. 

Why did I feel the need to surrender my entire life? What were my motives behind making that incredible life change. 

The truth is, I wanted to surrender my life because of the future that I thought it would provide meI thought that by finally living as a Christian should, I would end up with the life that I always dreamed of. 

I would find a wonderful husband. 

We would have wonderful children. 

And I would have a wonderful reputation. 

And as I began making changes that I never thought possible for me to make, as I began studying the Bible for the first time in my life, I kept dreaming of this wonderful life that God would give me

Are we seeing the common theme here? It was all about meI was happily changing my life with the expectation that God would bless me in return. 

Today, in March of 2013, I am so thankful that I decided to surrender my entire life to Christ on January 1st, 2012. 

But I realize now, that I did it for all of the wrong reasons. 

It's not about me. 

It's all about Him. 

God has already blessed me beyond what I could ever hope for, He adopted me into His family. He sent His one and only Son to die a horrible, terrible death on the cross so that I can enjoy His presence forever. 

I live my life for Christ now, not because of what I expect to get in return, but because of what I can give back

I was put on this earth to glorify Him. 

And if a wonderful husband, and wonderful children, and a wonderful reputation will glorify Him? Then so be it. 

But if I never get married, 
if I never have children,
if people never hear the name Amy Reed in their entire life, 
heck even if they hear that name and think negatively of it, 
it doesn't matter

Because it's not about me. 

It's all about Him. 

I am a Christian not because of what it will add to my life. 
But because it is my one hope to bring immense glory to His name.

***

"I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting
in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Galatians 2:20

14 comments:

Mosby Hardin said...

Love this girl! I have come to the same realizations lately and I am so happy I did. It is all about HIm and not even a little about us:)

Margaret said...

love, love, love this. I think that the Lord is waiting to "rush in" - just as soon as you let him. Except, you have to surrender your faith and TRUST him. It's our nature to want to live on our own terms - so it's not the easiest task to leave it all up to Him. But he does SUCH A BETTER JOB! Lol! :) Now following you, friend! Xo

Rach said...

I had chills reading this. It is amazing to see how God is molding you into a woman after His own heart.

Jennifer said...

Aww Amy, I love you and I love your heart! Thank you so much for being so honest with your words. It means so much. I loved this post. Such a great reminder that our Christianity is not about US and we weren't put on this earth for US but for HIM and for His glory. Loved it!

xo.

Melissa Jo said...

It is amazing to me how quickly Christ transforms us. Love this post - THAT moment when you are at peace in his love, in his comfort. Knowing he will take care of you. That he truly loves us more than anyone on this earth could dream of, doing his work whatever that may be. THAT is what it is about. I love you Amy, my dear sister in Christ!

Amanda said...

This is so beautiful. I love that you emphasize His glory. I think sometimes I tend to hone in on how much I benefit from my salvation, and forget that ultimately it's all about His glory. His fame. His praise.

So glad you shared this!

Rainey said...

Well put, Amy! I struggle with this concept a lot, and often feel selfish if I pray for anything for myself (and I do pray for myself quite a bit). I am trying to change my way of thinking, though, because I know I already have more blessings than I could hope for. A very inspirational post. Thank you!

Kiki said...

Your story seriously speaks so much truth into my own! I was and am constantly reminded that being a Christian isn't about me, it's about God and all of His glory and forgiveness and love. Thank you for sharing this and reminding me how great of a God we truly have! :)

. said...

Alright oh yeah, you finally realized the reason. :) God works in wonderful and mysterious ways. :)

Anonymous said...

I read something that said, "Don't worry about finding someone to fall in love with. Instead worry about being someone who can be loved." You are definitely someone to fall head over heels for. It's not "if" you find a husband, it's more like "when" you find a husband. That guy will be lucky enough to find you, he just needs to be smart enough to hold onto you.

Your heart is so lost in God, a guy must seek Him to find you.

Ronnie

kimber said...

WOW! Incredible. Thank you for this reminder girl!!

Unknown said...

i love this and i'm so glad i found your blog through the influence network! this is beautiful. it's about what He does through us, not what we do...at all. thank you for sharing this!

courtney {splendid actually} said...

Such a great post Amy. I love it. :)

Julie said...

AMEN! Girl, you got this spot on. I think in the beginning, I felt like being a Christian would just "improve my life" too. And I've come to realize too just how wrong that is! We are all called to be His so that we can glorfiy Him! So we can spread the Good News and expand His kingdom and praise Him.

I love how boldly you shared your story Amy! It takes courage to admit all that you did here, and I'm so glad you did :)