My Story of Becoming a Christian

Becoming a Christian may be very dramatic or as simple as a natural response to God's calling. Many heart-wrenching conversion stories are told by alcoholics and addicts, prostitutes and those facing death. Finding themselves in hopeless situations, they cry out to God. Others recognize His invitation to follow Him as they are gently drawn to Him.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." Jeremiah 31:3 (New International Version)

Having grown up in a Christian home and attending church each week, there was no lack for detailed testimonies from the pulpit. However, in my experience, it does not take a sordid past or a life-threatening situation to accept God's gift of eternal life through His son, Jesus Christ.I have never experienced life on the street nor have I been homeless or otherwise down and out. But I have known that I am a sinner in need of a Savior, and I responded to God's calling early in life.

In my faith tradition, a person chooses to be baptized when he or she is old enough to understand the significance of choosing to be a follower of Christ. I made my decision to be a Christian when I was 12 years old. With all of my young heart, I wanted to publicly accept Jesus' death on my behalf and to dedicate myself to following all of God's commandments and to fulfilling His will for my life.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

Through the years following my baptism, God's plans for me have never failed. He has provided countless opportunities for prosperity in experience, love and faith. Life's trials come to everyone and I am no exception, but it is particularly when I have chosen to follow my own will that I feel some the pain and hopelessness of living outside of God's plan.

Is it a sacrifice to be a Christian? In my experience, the answer is both yes and no. During those times when I want to do something that I know is not in my best interests or according to the guidelines for optimal living as laid out in the Bible, being a Christian can be difficult. And the resultant guilt of knowing that I made an unwise choice can be discouraging. But when I choose to live by the principles of loving God above all else and loving others, then I enjoy the soul peace and true happiness that comes when I allow God to be in control.