UPLIFT

Imagine a Christmas present sitting underneath the tree. You have been asking for this gift for months now. You have researched, created a spreadsheet explaining to your parents why you deserve this as a gift, and know every detail about the gift beautifully wrapped in shining paper with your name written on it—but you have yet to open it. Although you know about this gift you cannot use it, you cannot invest time into it until you go and grab the box, unwrap the paper, take the item out, and actively engage with it.  This is how I identified my life-style as a Christian. I had done the research (read the bible), knew why I needed Jesus, knew the outs and ins, and had received the gift of Christ. The only problem was that I had received the gift but failed to open it.  I grew up in a Christ-centered home—going to church on Sundays, Wednesdays, and church camp in the summers. My whole life I have loved the Lord and believed in my whole heart that he died on the cross to...