You did drugs for ten years…And you’re a Christian? YES!
You stole money for drugs…And you’re a Christian? YES!
You used to say F*@! every other word…And you’re a Christian? YES!
You still say F*@! every other word…And you’re a Christian? YES!
You had a baby out of wedlock…And you’re a Christian? YES!
You’ve been divorced…And you’re a Christian? YES!
You were an atheist…And you’re a Christian? YES!
You are a sinner…And you’re a Christian? YES!
10 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” – Matthew 9:9-13 (NKJV)
Giving your heart to Jesus is the greatest thing you will ever do, and the most important decision for eternity. But this doesn’t mean you have to wear your “Sunday’s best” to worship and love Jesus. Jesus is ready for you regardless of where you are today, or no matter how much of a hot mess you are. You don’t quit being you because you accept Jesus, but you do become righteous in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
When I said yes to Jesus, I was reserved about revealing this in public at first. I was learning how to be comfortable being a Christian. I spent years as a non-believer, so I was learning how to be a Christian. I was trying to figure out how to tell friends and family who have known me for years as a non-Christian. And I was learning how to be ready for the world that would be against me because I am a Christian.
Becoming a Christian is the best decision you will ever make, but it’s not necessarily the easiest. When you accept Jesus in your heart, you become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), but you don’t become a mature Christian overnight. Satan will use the world anyway he can to get you to turn away from God. And even your loved ones may hurt you in the process.
Habits take time to change. So, if you gave your heart to Jesus on Friday night and woke up Saturday cursing because of your hangover, it’s okay. Follow Jesus and He will guide you with small steps. If it’s two months after you accepted Jesus and you screamed in your car at someone for cutting you off on the road, it’s okay. Follow Jesus and He will guide you with small steps. If you have been a believer for ten years, and you got mad and yelled at your spouse, it’s okay. Follow Jesus and He will guide you with small steps.
You should never intentionally do things that will hurt you or others. But it’s important to know that when we make mistakes, regardless of where we are on our journey with God, Jesus will help us with His grace. You will make positive changes with the conviction of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).
I remember the first time I got the, “And you’re a Christian” as an intentional jab from someone that wasn’t happy with what I was saying. Or you will get it when you make mistakes, because now the world will use it against you. But little do they know that Jesus will turn every negative into a positive. And now you have Heaven on earth.
With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). As you grow in Christ, it’s okay to stumble but ask God to help you. Lean on Him for your strength, because you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). Don’t let Satan steal, kill, and destroy your faith (John 10:10). Keep surfing the wave of life with Jesus Christ! If you fall off, paddle back out. Jesus is with you!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for staying with me and never giving up on me. Thank you for guiding me in these small steps to being a new creation in You. Your love is unwavering and I love you, Jesus. You are my Savior, and I am righteous in Your Name. Amen.
If you are ready to receive Jesus Christ into your heart, pray out loud the following:
Jesus, I believe you died on the cross for me and rose again. Jesus, I ask you to come into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. I will follow you all the days of my life. By faith in Your Word, I receive salvation now. Thank You for saving me! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.