Susan LaffertyAbiding in Christ. It seems like a given. The common, daily practice of a follower of Jesus.
But in the midst of vision casting and formulating strategies for work and life, abiding in Christ too easily moves to the periphery.
We may take it for granted. Give it only lip service.
My reading this week is First Peter. An epistle I’m drawn to. Often.
Perhaps because it addresses those living in exile. Aliens. Temporary residents in foreign lands.
These are pockets of believers living out the gospel away from their passport country.
Away from large gatherings of the Body of Christ.
“Repent! Turn from your wicked ways.” Images of a street corner preacher flicker across my mind. My wicked ways as a child involved telling a lie about sneaking a piece of candy. Or pinching my brother and sister. Or talking back to my parents. Hardly the stuff of dramatic “repent and believe” testimonies.
After I repented and believed as a child, I was baptized. Thus began my walk with the Lord. That initial “repent and believe” is the forever turning point in my life. The time Jesus saved me from my sin. He put His seal, the Holy Spirit, on my heart. I am His for eternity.