With Christ, you can conquer faults
DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: Some of my friends say Jesus can change my life, but I don’t think it’s possible. I’ve gotten involved in some bad things that I’ll never be able to get out of, although I’ve tried. Who is right — me or my friends? —T.K.
DEAR T.K.: Your friends are right, and they’ve probably experienced it in their own lives. They may not have wrestled with the problems you have, but everyone who follows Jesus knows that God’s promise of a new life is true. The Bible says, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).Actually, TK is the one who's probably correct. Well, about the Jesus part anyway. Whether TK overcomes the issues they are facing will depend of her.
However, you’re also right when you say that you’ll never be able to conquer these bad things, because you can’t, not in your own strength. But God is stronger than you are — and when we give our lives to Christ, God himself comes to live within us by his Spirit. He helps us overcome our sins and weaknesses as we yield ourselves to him, and he gives us a new reason for living.
God loves you; he loves you so much that he sent his only son into the world to give his life for you. And God also loves you so much that he accepts you just as you are! The Bible says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Don’t let your bad habits or anything else pull you down any longer, but by faith ask Christ to come into your life. When you do, he’ll forgive your past and give you hope for the future. Then let your friends know what you’ve done, so they can encourage and help you learn to walk with Christ every day.
Graham hypothesizes that TK's friends have probably already experienced Jesus' life changing power. Just like all who believe in God and receive his promise of a new life... Well, that's the pitch anyway. Tell me, what about the majority of inmates (Christians)? Has Christ transformed their lives? What about pedophile priests? Was Jesus improving them? What about when Hitler (Christian) was killing the Jews, and gays, and non-believers, and pretty much anyone who wasn't his picture of pure German perfection... How did God mold his life toward betterment?
But then there's the issues of other faiths. Perhaps TK's friends would attest to Jesus shining his light
on their lives. But a Muslim will claim that Allah has blessed their life. A Hindu would similarly attest to a life improved and guided by their beliefs. And if we want to hold a belief pissing match, then Buddhists must have the most truth to their beliefs since their faith can change them so profoundly, and leave them far more humble than any Christian could ever dream to be. So Graham, do Buddhists have it more right than Christians?
And that's the problem. Christianity wishes to rob you of your personal strength and give it to a deity. Your average Christian that claims that God is enacting change in their life, is actually doing this on their own. Perhaps they needed that belief that there was a magic man helping her out to give them the confidence they needed. The same happens when a Hindu thinks Krishna is blessing them, or if a Buddhist believes the Buddha is guiding them toward enlightenment.
They all, no... WE all have amazing power and determination locked up inside us. Some of us need a placebo god to give us the kick we need. Then there are those like my fellow unbelievers that consciously strive forward and fight our problems with shear will and determination. No God required at all. TK, instead of selling yourself short, realize your true potential. Take hold of your true strength, and be the best person you can be. And isn't realizing your accomplishes really were yours, and not something that was just handed to you truly mush more satisfying?
-Brain Hulk
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