Making Faith in Jesus your own

Many children raised in Christian homes say and even look like they embrace their parent's faith. Many do it as a sign of solidarity toward their parents, but it may truly turn out not to be the faith they claim as their own as they get older. Then there are those that bear fruit of a genuine Christian life. The former is the story I can relate to and also one of which was shared with me on my break at work.

This young man was raised in a Christian home and served in his youth ministry, yet by age 15 he doubted whether this belief was real. He wondered if he believed only because his family's faith and background. He expressed his concern to some in his church, but he was told, "you just need faith. This may be a time for you just to persevere."

Over the next few years he began to read the Gospels and research the evidence for the Bible's accuracy. He desired to know if there was evidence that the Bible was God's Word. A friend at school challenged him to investigate. He asked the young man, "How will you know if you don't find out for yourself? He replied, "my parents showed me all the things you are offering me. The difference, I will now study for myself."

He was overwhelmed with how much historical evidence there was to support the Bible. The evidence didn't answer every doubt, but gave enough facts that one would doubt them only for the benefit of choosing not to believe, but not because the truth wasn't on the side of The Bible. It was. There was substantial evidence to confirm the beliefs and faith passed to him from his parents. He decided at the end of his investigation to make the faith of his parents truly his own. He bowed and told the Lord, "I know that a tagalong is not an entry way into your kingdom. Being brought up in a Christian home isn't a path to Heaven. The way, is through acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Savior. I acknowledge that I am neither a god nor do I have the ability in and of myself to be good enough to achieve your Kingdom. Your Word makes claims that have all the backing of history, archeology, manuscripts and Prophetic statistical accuracy. I bow my heart, my life and pick up my cross to become your servant, your child and as you called your disciples, 'your friend.' Pledging my life to help give evidence to others that you are, 'The Truth, The Life and The Way!' Amen!"

Since then when people have doubts he shares with empathy their plight if their doubts are sincere and not reasons to choose unbelief. He encourages questions, he gives them places to find the evidence for themselves and remembers while faith is not in sight there is so much evidence in what is behind the substance of that faith.

I thanked him and told him I appreciate his story. He ended by telling me his sister and brother still have chosen not do this search to make the faith presented to them, theirs. He continues to share the evidence with them. He says his brother teases him, "you've always felt the obligation to please Dad and Mom. You are grown you don't have to do that." His response, "this isn't about Dad nor Mom this is about Truth and Eternity." They do get along until certain conversations come up and those bring distance. But that distance ebbs quickly.

True faith in Jesus isn't provided by parents, but offered. It is easier to see that faith clearer when growing in a true Christian home, but obviously doesn't guarantee that the faith of parents will become the faith of children, though at times it appears that way. Trust me I know personally. I hope this encourages someone, anyone and/or everyone.