Before following Christ, I relied on my good behavior to please God. I obeyed my parents, got good grades at school, attended church regularly, and was nice to everyone I met. People who knew me considered me as being a “good” child, and for the most part, I agreed with them. Now, you would think that someone as “good” as I imagined myself to be didn’t have a care in the world. However, I was always fearful of being left alone in the world. My childhood memories consisted of my father experiencing periodic violent episodes requiring admission to the hospital. As a result, I would become very fearful whenever my mother became sick herself. I would try to be “extra good” to please God at those times.
One day I realized that I could never be “good” enough to please God and overcome my fears. I needed God to save me from my failings and insecurities. There was nothing I could do. Thankfully, God provided the solution. One evening someone explained to me that God doesn’t desire that we demonstrate how “good” we are in order to please Him. Everyone, including myself, has disobeyed Him. Our disobedience (or sin) has separated us from a Holy and just God. We deserve punishment. We deserve death. Thankfully, God desires us to experience a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus took our punishment that God demands for our disobedience/sin.
Today my life as a Christian is full of joy, peace, confidence and purpose. I know that God loves me and has forgiven me. Not only have my sins been forgiven, I also know that I will never be left alone in this world. I don’t need to be fearful. God will always be with me. Best of all, I know that I have eternal life with God.