After reading the quote that I listed
in last week’s blog, on August 14, 2017, I decided to go to the book from which
the quote was taken and read the entire chapter, since I do have the book, Thoughts
from the Mount of Blessings, by Ellen White. The very opening lines of
the chapter – Not Judging but Doing –
blew me away! She was describing me; check this out.
“The
effort to earn salvation by one’s own works inevitably leads men to pile up
human exactions as a barrier against sin. For, seeing that they fail to
keep the law, they will devise rules and regulations of their own to force
themselves to obey.” - MB 123.1
I
remember when I was about 11 or 12 years old, I joined the church. I really
believed that I had been converted to Christ and was willing to follow Him
anywhere. However, there were no “baptismal classes”, no “new believer classes”
or any type of structured religious training introduced to me, after I was
baptized.
I
was old enough to realize that there was to be a lifestyle change, but I was
clueless as to where I should start! Therefore, just like it is stated in the
quotation, I began to devise my own rules and regulations, so that I might
properly follow the Lord and keep His commandments.
It
was our custom that every Sunday, after we had returned from worship and eaten,
my sister and I would attend the movie theater, in the adjoining town; however,
we had to be sure to first attend worship services or we were not allowed to go
to the movies.
Additionally,
I was one of the biggest fans of Herb Kent, the cool gent, radio disc jockey. I
listened to him daily and allowed no one to get into my way. He played the
greatest dance music and I loved to do that, as well.
Therefore,
as I contemplated my new agenda – Christianity – I knew some changes must be
made. We’ll talk about those changes, in my blog, next week. Until then, keep
on hopping with us at:
