Part II-Here's Something for Thought (and action!)

So, I've been enjoying reading over the first part of this post recently. I posted the first part a while ago, with no idea of a second part, but, here we are. I originally wrote the post as part of an English assignment last semester(don't worry, I aced the paper :-) ). Since I was in a school setting, I felt limited and constricted slightly, due to the fact that it was a community college and thus not a good place for Christian "sermons". Here, on my blog, I have more freedom(or I at least feel that way), and want to revisit the topic of joy......this time, with a Christian perspective.

So, as a Christian, I have a large advantage in the avenue of joy. I have many more reasons to BE joyful. Christ has pardoned all of my sins. Sins I comitted and deserved the consequences of, yet, He took the consequence upon himself. I can now live an eternity in heaven because He, with no sins, paid for mine. I can walk around with joy because I know that I have an eternity in heaven with Him.

Fellow Christians, let's admit, we aren't as grateful for our gift as we should be. We walk around and complain about how the world and it's foolish inhabitants brush us the wrong way, while we have an eternity living in a new world made of gold and precious gems. Best of all, we don't have to pay for it, all we have to do is:

1) Believe it exists

2) Tell the owner(Jesus) so

3) Ask the owner, our creator, to forgive us for our sins

That's a pretty hard list, though, right? Humility is also something we need to have to be able to come before Him and admit all that. We first need to realize we have a "sin problem" and then take the aforesaid avenue to escape from sin and it's end: hell.

Us Christians say we like others to join us and "sign up" for heaven. While saying this, we walk around dejected and drag our feet to church and quickly sign up to skip. We never thank God publicly, or praise Him for his good. How in the world is that supposed to look like heaven and life as a Christian is worth it?!?! We are ambassadors for Christ and need to advertise the true Christian life and heaven. We need to resolve to be more cheerful, and to praise and thank God for the good he gives us.

I am personally making it a goal to live my Christian life forward. To advertise the amazing future I have and show people what being a Christian really should look like. Someone better look out, because I am going to find someone who is interested in making the same goal to be my accountability partner. It's not going to be easy, but it is sure to be the best way to be joyful.

How to do it? Oh, it's "easy", next time you're down, think of all the good things Jesus has done for you. If need be, make a desktop or phone wallpaper that reminds you. Also, I recommend finding someone who's interested in doing this with you. Someone who will remind you to be joyful and to put your best foot forward.

Now, I'm not going to brag about my advantage over those who are not Christians, because, while I have been chosen to be one of God's children, everyone can become chosen by accepting Christ. We all have the choice to choose God, so, when we do, that makes us one of His chosen. Pretty cool, huh! Just don't think about it to much or your brain will probably stall out. :-) To choose Christ and this free pass to heaven, all you have to do is the short list above. Pray to God and thank him for what He's done for you. Ask Him to forgive you for your sins, and then live like you're free, because, you are once you've received Christ!

To conclude! Live like you're excited to have a pass to heaven! Live like being a Christian is fun, 'cause it is!

Any questions about becoming a Christian? Want to be happier and still aren't sure how? Drop me a comment and I'll get to you soon!

Later y'all!

Austin