Over a number of years I have been very fortunate to have been able to read and study number of excellent Christian books. These have helped me develop my relationship with Christ and have taught me how to follow him more closely. Many of these books have been written by eminent Christian leaders who have been able to support their message with wondrous examples of miracles and demonstrations of God at work in their lives. Whilst often encouraged by the examples, I have also at times been daunted by the impressive stories which have been used and found myself wondering how his can be relevant to me.
This blog intends to look at many of these same area's however from the perspective of someone who cannot claim to have such wonderous examples to offer - from the perspective of someone who is very much on a journey which is far from complete, and yet who seeks to follow Christ. I have been aided in this work by some friends who have shared with me their own stories, and I offer these too as simple practical examples for us all. Comments and input are also welcome to help as a guide to others.
I chose the statement “I seek to follow Christ” instead of the more normal term Christian, as in the world today Christianity is often linked with the actions of some western countries in which only a minority actually are Christians. I specifically want to focus upon how those who actively do want to follow Christ can do so. In addition sometimes if someone says they are a Christian, many will believe that they know what this means – preconceptions apply. I hope that by using this title I can bring the focus back to clear statements of belief , and what steps I can take as a believer grow in my faith.
Finally, I use the phrase “I seek to follow Christ” to show that this is very much an active process and definitely one I have not completed. I cannot claim I am better than others – indeed I would never want to do so – but this is often the perspective that others have of Christians. I feel it is important that I - and all Christians - acknowledge that we are human and fall well short of the life Christ wants us to live. However due to the saving grace of his sacrifice on the cross, greater importance lies in our intentions – seeking to follow Christ – and we hope that over time the reality of our lives will follow precisely because we are weak and human and we do make mistakes.
I cannot claim to have all the answers. I offer this guide as one traveller to another; as things I have found useful and one in which the preparation has challenged me and reminded me of the many things I ought to be doing.
