So this past Sunday I got baptized. That’s me in the middle with my bald-headed self coming up from the dunk.
This was a watershed event in my life because it was a public profession of my faith – our baptisms are held at the ocean front in Virginia Beach!
In reflection, here are the three things I’ve realized from my baptism-
1. Accountability
I’ve been accountable to my Lord since I was born again. On the other hand, this outward profession of my faith seemed a little out of my comfort zone. Probably because I realized that now my actions, words, and thoughts may be judged by my peers – everyone who surrounds me. You know, the Christian who talks the talk but has a harder time walking it?
What I think, do, and say has the possibility of being put under a microscope and analyzed to see whether or not I’m walking my talk. And that is good. I like this idea of being held accountable by my peers because it will help me be a better person.
It will take me to the next level of humility. It will teach my when I don’t act in accordance with a God whom I now believe loves all…no matter their story, hurts, failures, and brokenness. This is the Lord I’ve come to know in the past several years. And I want to be held accountable against His bar of
love
joy
peace
patience
kindness
goodness
faithfulness
gentleness
and self-control.
These can be difficult ideals to live up to at times, but with the help and support of ALL my friends, the process will be a worthwhile journey.
2. Self analysis
This is the perfect time for me to take a personal inventory. How have I done to this point? What changes do I need to make moving forward? What are my goals in life? Are they in alignment with His will? How have I treated others? Have I held people up, or brought them down? Have I spoken life enhancing words to someone, or have my words been toxic to their ears?
Answering these questions will lead to an honest assessment of my life to this point. The answers will help me understand my performance. The answers may not be things I want to hear, but they will help me to empathize and understand the impact I’ve had on people’s lives – whether helpful and positive, or hurtful and negative.
3. Desire to grow
I was born with an innate desire for self-improvement. Maybe it’s because I was also born with a harsh superego that thrashes me each day. Either way, this event marks a new stage in my life.
Baptism doesn’t make you a new person, it’s just an outward act for an inward decision.
Baptism doesn’t make you a kinder or happier person.
It doesn’t make you personable with everyone you meet.
It doesn’t give you the patience to weather the DMV lines, or go the extra mile for someone that’s wronged you. That’s what the Lord does in your life.
Me, I have a long ways to go. I am selfish. I say hurtful things. I say things out of anger or defensiveness. I act carelessly.
Not all the time.
But I have my fair share friend, believe you me. It is the Lord’s mercy, grace, and compassion that has turned me into any of the good things I am today. They are for His glory and due to His will.
He has blessed me with things like patience (through many, many, MANY trials), and my own life after I hanged myself last September.
He has also blessed me with the things He has taken away – toxic relationships, a failed marriage, a decreased streak of anger and resentment.
This event was a milestone in my growth as a man, as much as it was an event in my growth within my faith.
Looking for the Light
08/18/2015 at 09:24
Hi Chris
I am so happy you have given your life to God. I think God has already made you a better man. You had courage to share a very personal celebration. God didn’t say our life would be hammocks and fruity drinks. You were already working on understanding your bottom line issue which have to change. Now you have faith, blind faith to move and improve your life. From here forward your life will improve if you work hard, continue believing and living life knowing you have God at your side.
I’m here when you need a hand.
🙂
M
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KatieComeBack
08/17/2015 at 20:46
Awesome. There is always another chance, and a fresh start, with God.
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Surviving the Specter
08/17/2015 at 20:55
True that, Katie’ 🙂
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houck52
08/17/2015 at 18:01
so proud of you…the Baptism is an outward expression of wanting God to wash you clean on the inside as well as the outside…some of us are slow learners….but we are on the right path…Praise be to God!
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Surviving the Specter
08/17/2015 at 18:54
Thank you, Deb. It was good to see you there! X
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gingersnap74
08/17/2015 at 17:37
Very well said! I am so proud of you my friend! Love you!!!
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Surviving the Specter
08/17/2015 at 18:53
Thank you, Chelise 🙂 Love you, too X
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M. CALM
08/17/2015 at 16:08
Hallelujah, the angels in Heaven rejoice! Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and being baptized, is such a beautiful thing and an occasion for celebration! Welcome, dear brother; we rejoice with you 🙂
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Surviving the Specter
08/17/2015 at 18:53
Thank you so much, M’. Although I’ve been saved since a child and baptized shortly after, this is my second time. I’ve certainly grown a ton and have tons more to go, but with grace, will continue my journey. Thank you for your kind words and humbling support my friend. X
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mistakenldy
08/17/2015 at 15:49
So happy for you, and proud of the person, man you are and continue to become for yourself and those you hold closest! This is beautiful Chris! I pray that this post inspires others continuosly just as He wants 🙂
Go head witch ya bad self 😉 haha
XxX Mistaken’
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Surviving the Specter
08/17/2015 at 18:51
Thank you so much, mistaken! X
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dianetharp70
08/17/2015 at 15:41
Congratulations Chris! (now you’ve got my curiosity, have you ever heard of/read “Father’s Love Letter”??) It’s pretty cool, check it out sometime 🙂
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Surviving the Specter
08/17/2015 at 18:50
Thank you, Diane 🙂
No, I haven’t heard of it but will dig for it and see what I can find. Thank you for the reference! XXXXX
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dianetharp70
08/17/2015 at 18:55
Just Google it. Basically it’s many Bible verses arranged in such a way that I reads as a love letter from Our Heavenly Father, it’s pretty cool. Check it out! I picked up an actual printed version at my Daddy’s funeral in 2001.
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Surviving the Specter
08/17/2015 at 19:06
I will! Thank you, diane’!
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dianetharp70
08/17/2015 at 19:07
Anytime! 🙂
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sassafrassthefeisty
08/17/2015 at 15:23
WONDERFULLY BEAUTIFUL! Congratulations, Chris! I can’t say I believe in God and Christ, but through the trials of my life the last 16 months I’ve done a lot of self reflection in the past 2 than my entire life. I took accountability for what I did and didn’t do and I’m apologizing to those I’ve hurt. It is NOT easy to ask for forgiveness, or to be humble when the walls I’ve built are 10 feet thick and 50 feet high. I have to say that the faith my grandparents had in me finally blossomed into a light that cracked the walls of my fortress (and the right meds too) and I’m changing-not for others but for myself so I can be a better mom and daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and an eventual partner again. It’s a journey, and one I’m willing to travel, no matter the outcome.
Congratulations again, my dear dear friend on your Baptism ❤
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Surviving the Specter
08/17/2015 at 18:49
Thank you for the kind wishes, sass’. I appreciate you sharing your story here, WOW! Powerful stuff for sure. It takes a person with a HUGE amount of character and intestinal fortitude to do what you’ve accomplished. I know you are proud of what you’ve blossomed into. XXXXX
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morgueticiaatoms
08/17/2015 at 15:06
Congratulations, my friend.<3
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Surviving the Specter
08/17/2015 at 18:47
Thank you, morgue 🙂
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