A Life in Christ verses a Christian Experience

I was in New York recently on a publicity tour for my new release, Devotions for the Hungry Heart.

It was incredibly interesting, and not just because I couldn’t say the words New York without hearing the voice of that salsa commercial from years back saying, “New York City?!!!” Okay, there’s that, but my BFF and partner in pranks, Rhonda Perry, traveled with me and that alone delivers a certain amount of hilarity, drama and chaos, if not all three. The wannabe comedians in our families have suggested that it wasn’t fair that New York wasn’t notified, as if they need special preparations. Whatever.

Guess what? Our trip was the first ever visit to the Big Apple for both of us. That’s right. We had managed to live five plus decades without seeing the sights and sounds of Times Square. I don’t know. We just never prioritized it. Granted, there was that time when the flight I was on was rerouted through New York, but we landed and re-boarded that day before I could step foot outside the terminal. All I could do was wave at the Lady in the harbor. So, yes, technically, I’d been to New York. But, the experience had not benefited me one iota.

Full disclosure? There was a time when the same thing could have been said about my relationship to Jesus. I was a believer, but I had a history of praying to try and make sure that God and I were good before going my own way and resuming my schedule, plans, and priorities. I was always landing and re-boarding at the Jesus terminal, so to speak, before heading out on my own agenda. It may have been a Christian experience, but it had zero impact on my life and it didn’t benefit me in the here and now. Everything changed when I began to live to know this Jesus. To be frank, Red and I loved New York, but I wouldn’t suggest that any of you up and move them. However, I can heartily and without reservation recommend that you live to know Christ Jesus. It’s far more than religion, or a guarantee for the future. It’s a present tense life like none other, and Jesus died to give you and me the opportunity to discover it!

Hugs,
Shellie