The Benefits of Knowing Christ

Jun 14, 2024 | Civic Engagement

Written By Vaughan Morrill

Born In Sin

The Bible explains that since Adam sinned, as we all are descendants of Adam, we are all born sinners. From birth, life is a struggle. Infants struggle to stay alive, to avoid pain, and to find comfort. The selfishness of infants is easily observed. Once they are old enough to play, two infants will fight over the same toy even though surrounded by many other interesting toys to play with. One of the first words they learn is “mine.” As they grow older, they need not be taught to lie. They do it naturally, as any parent will confirm. Indeed, the Bible very clearly explains that since Adam’s “fall,” we are born sinners.

To complicate matters further, in the process of growing up, men are wounded in various ways. According to Pastor Robert Lewis, a wound is any unresolved issue where lack of closure adversely impacts and shapes the direction of a man’s life. Pastor Lewis identifies five common wounds men must deal with. These are the absent father wound, the overly bonded with mother wound, the all alone wound, the lack of manhood vision wound, and the heart wound. Men experience these wounds (and perhaps others) to different degrees of our different early life experiences.

Dealing with Woundedness

As a young man or woman, each person constructs sense of self around their selfishness and woundedness. They may be driven by these forces, and seeks ways, behaviors, to escape the pain of their woundedness. Some examples of these behaviors are drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking cigarettes, gambling, viewing pornography, bullying, brawling, womanizing, and many others. And although one of these behaviors might temporarily numb the pain, the pain comes back. And more of the behavior, or more extreme behavior, is needed to numb the pain the next time. For example, although one or two alcoholic drinks may produce a pleasant, numbing “high” at first, the next time it may – it will – require more drinks to produce the same “high.” Thus a seemingly harmless indulgence can become a bad habit and eventually an addiction. Many become hardened in these addictions, hurt their families and associates, and eventually destroy themselves.

Saved by Christ

However, some discover the truth about themselves, recognize their selfish, godless nature, and accept responsibility for their lives and problems. “When that happens they are free to stop blaming others, grieve over loses in life and poor choices, and turn to faith in Jesus Christ for help.” These words are the words of Pastor Robert Lewis, but this is what happened to me. Thank You, Jesus!

Life in Christ

Having accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I can testify that I enjoy studying God’s word, the Bible, and have hope and peace in my life that I never had before. My mental health is better because I have hope and a reason for living. My physical health is also good. I have two eyes to see with, two ears to hear with, two feet to walk with, two hands to work with, and a mouth to smile with and to praise the Lord!

Does this mean I have no troubles? Not at all. Indeed, the Lord tells us “in this life you will have trouble.” But as trouble comes, I plan to serve and exalt the Lord wholeheartedly, and rely on Him to bring me through the trouble. After all, Christ has already won the victory for us! All we need do is claim it.

The Great Adventure

Saved by Christ, and surrendered to Christ, we can live out our lives on earth as spiritual warriors for our Lord and Savior. Having adopted a Biblical worldview, and putting on the full armor of God, we can defeat the lies and half-truths of the enemy, and bring the light of Christ to a world in desperate need of salvation. Our commission, the Great Commission, is to proclaim the gospel of Christ to all the earth so that no one need perish.

Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, I urge you to do so. It was the best decision I ever made, and I believe it can be your best decision also.

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