Faith & Family
I grew up going to church as a kid. I was introduced to Jesus at a young age. I accepted Christ when I was in third grade at Knifley Elementary school. I was frankly scared of hell more than I was excited about living for Jesus. I wandered a bit from my faith through my formative years of High School. I made a deep commitment to Jesus during my freshman year of college. My faith in Him was set in concrete. My convictions were set, and I’ve never really looked backward. Oh sure, I’ve stumbled many times and I still need His grace.
I remember hearing a message about the call of the demonic man that Jesus healed near the region of Gerasenes. After the pig incident, the townspeople were a bit freaked out. Jesus’ instructions to the healed man were my instructions years ago. I’ve never forgotten. Check this out…
18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. 19 But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” 20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them. (Mark 5:18-20 NLT)
I remember as a student pastor, I felt that my first youth group were my children at home. My faith must be lived out at home, first and foremost. I can look back at times where I’ve failed miserably at this, but His Grace was enough to help me get back on track. My children are all grown men and women, and some have children of their own. It is still critical that I live out my faith consistently at home. I believe that growing my faith at home as made me stronger in our church and community. I believe that my deep faith has made me a better servant REALTOR to my clients. I think my faith comes out in every part of my life, but it starts at home. I don’t want my faith to be showy and look like religion. I want my deep relationship with the Lord to “seep out” over others that I work with or encounter throughout the day. It starts in my home. I have felt that call from the Lord over me for years.
Pressing On!
Dwayne