Reg Sides
My first exposure to Jesus came while attending Sunday school in a small rural mining community in California. I was 10 years old then, and I did not have any previous religious association or experience. At that time my attendance was more on my mother’s insistence rather than my desire; however I did not mind attending, and I found a certain peace and acceptance there. Yet I can remember dealing with some acceptance issues due to the nature of such a small community and some blended family issues; however, those were not overwhelming to me. I was involved in Sunday school and in various church functions. But I did not know or feel that having Jesus in my life could really help at that time.
Years later I met a girl and planned to marry and start a family. My fiancée was a Christian girl with a strong belief in the Lord and a church affiliation. During marriage counseling, I cannot explain exactly why or how, but it became clear to me that I needed Jesus in my life, that Jesus was the son of God who paid the ultimate price for my sins, and there was no doubt I was a sinner. I knew immediately that I needed Jesus to be my Lord and Savior, my Guide, and my Friend. I recognized that I needed Him to teach me to be a good man, a good husband, and to teach me life and leadership skills through compassion and caring.
Initially after accepting Jesus, I tried to follow all of his commandments. However I became, as I later realized, disillusioned by people whom I thought were “good Christian people.” Once I realized I was too focused on the “people” and not on Jesus, I was able to adjust my focus to where it should be. I believe that others see a difference in me because I feel that there is a difference in me. I have a better attitude toward life and others. I have challenges in many areas of my life, some in relationships and some in other areas, but even so, Jesus is there helping me make progress in all of those areas.
Posted in I Grew Up in Church ,
