“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD” – Psalm 1:1-2
I remember the difficulties of being a teenager. There were always choices that had to be made. It seemed that everyone had advice, some good, some not so good. Teenage years often feel like trying to navigate a way through a maze, hoping to find the correct path. I found help in two places, sound biblical preaching from my pastor, and personal time reading the bible. I have been fortunate to have had parents that brought me to church as a child. I did not go to children’s church, I don’t remember if it was offered, but even as a young child, I was expected to listen to the pastor’s sermon every Sunday. I still remember when his preaching, and teaching started to make sense to me. Quite honestly, the choices that were presented from the Bible were frightening. I learned to not listen to “counsel of the wicked”, but instead to learn from God’s instruction. The Bible is our manual for living.
When I look back at other children I grew up with, I see some who were not in church as children. Many made life choices without God’s instruction. Some of those childhood friends have had very short lives due to alcoholism, drug abuse, and immoral living. Life choices matter.
I remember when I made the decision to follow Jesus and become a Christian. From the moment I accepted Christ and decided to be baptized, I can see God’s hand upon my life. More than simply learning how to make good choices in life, I have seen God’s power. Choosing God’s way is much more than simply following instructions for sound moral living. It is that personal relationship with the Holy Spirit that makes the difference. He has helped me to make good choices and He has been quick to forgive when I did not.
Scott Kinnick – CBC Executive Board member
