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Eyes of the Father: Salvation is about the message, not the messenger
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For several weeks she'd been so close. She knew what sin was, she knew that it separated us from God and she knew that Jesus came to die for our sins. Yet she hadn't quite made the connection between Jesus dying for our sins and us needing to personally accept his sacrifice — and him as savior — in order to receive that forgiveness. 

Tonight, she made the connection. As Amy and I sat on her bed with her, Chloe was able to explain to me all the actors, all the issues and all the requirements relating to salvation.

The three of us joined hands. Chloe bowed her head, closed her eyes and prayed a prayer to receive Jesus as her personal savior and lord.

Can I tell you how wonderful it is to lead your own child to a saving faith in Christ as her savior?

Can I tell you how scary it is, too?

It's funny. I've led who knows how many people to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. With each and every one of them, I was able to witness to them without any reservation. Yet when it was my own child I was talking to, there was an added element of anxiety.

I wanted to make sure I "got it right." What I mean by that is I wanted to make sure I answered all her questions to the best of my ability. Above all else, I wanted to make sure I wasn't rushing her because I wanted her to receive Christ, rather than because SHE wanted to receive Christ.

That begs the question: Why should it be different? Why should I worry about those considerations with Chloe but not with anyone else?

The answer is it shouldn't be different. I should have the same considerations no matter who it is. Whether it's Chloe or someone else, I should make sure I answer all their questions to the best of my ability. Whether it's Chloe or someone else, I should make sure the decision is one they want to make, not one I pressure them to make. Whether it's Chloe or someone else, I should "be prepared in season and out of season" to preach the gospel (2 Timothy 4:2).

And whether it's Chloe or someone else, I should remember that the Holy Spirit is the one who convinces them and Christ is the one who saves them. All I am is the messenger. It's not about me, it's about Jesus and the person he's saving.

Parrish Myers is a local minister. His column appears biweekly in Sunday Life and on gainesvilletimes.com/life.