But I found something in my office today that I thought you all might find humorous... my testimony that I gave at my 6th grade graduation. While my grasp of the gospel I hope now is deeper, all in all, not much has changed. In fact, this testimony sounds eerily familiar to one of my earlier posts. I guess if you find a good analogy, you better keep it, right?
Enjoy...
Sometimes the Christian life feels like an extra long beam routine. First you must learn the skill. This is like learning about Christ and Salvation. Then you must mount the beam God has for your life. I mounted my beam when I was four years old. Once you get on the beam, you may wobble or be tempted, but Jesus Christ will help you through it. I've wobbled a lot in my life such as this year I've been tempted to listen to music that I know my parents and the Lord wouldn't like me to listen to.
Sometimes in your routine you might have a quick balance check. When I was little I always used to have balance checks because I doubted my faith and my salvation. I kept reasking Jesus to come into my life because I didn't think he was there.
Other times in your routine you may try something that you know you shouldn't do and fall off. Jesus doesn't want you to fall, but when you do, if you ask him, he will be put you right back up on the beam again. In my routine I have fallen many times but eh Lord has put me back on the beam.
Beam routines aren't all wobbles and falls though. Sometimes, you will do a skill and stick it perfectly. This is when you do something you know is right and do it good and for the Lord. We know we can do this from Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
Sometimes in your routine you will have to take a leap towards getting to me more like Christ. Last summer I took a leap when I started to read my Bible more and started to care more about my actions.
You may repeat the pattern of wobbles, falls, sticks, and leaps through all your life. Sometimes your life or routine will have to come to an end. You and I will dismount our beams and stick our landings at the gates of heaven. Then God, the final judge, will give you your score. If you even mounted the beam you will get a 10! Everyone, including Jesus your coach, will be rejoicing because we know we didn't deserve the score, but God gave it as a free gift- just as he gave his son and all we have to do is accept him.
Right now I'm in the middle of my routine. I am wobbling and falling and sticking all the time. God has sent great friends and parents to help me through my routine of life. They challenge me to take leaps and steps to become more like Christ. I am glad they are on the beam right next to mine. My routine is just beginning but I've fallen many times. In the upcoming part of my routine, I want to read the whole Bible. I know I'll keep wobbling and falling but as Psalm 94 says, "When I say, 'My foot is slipping' your love O Lord supported me."
Still Wobbling and Falling,
Caroline
Caroline, I love that your constant illustration was and still is GYMNASTICS! Also, pretty good writing for a 6th grader. :)
ReplyDelete