Unless You Are Converted
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
Conversion is a process of change. Jesus talks about a very real change in our hearts, minds and souls (Matthew 18:1-6). In order for this to happen, we must change the one we are trying to please. Self sits on the throne of most hearts today. We try to please the appetites of the flesh and it never satisfies the hungers of our hearts (Ecclesiastes 1:8; cf. Proverbs 27:20). We go about our daily routines and we are still longing for the bread that will truly meet our needs (John 6:35; cf. Matthew 4:4).
The body of man dies and his soul lives on for an eternity. Earthly wealth and fame never will meet the true needs of one’s soul. There must be a dramatic change inside us that connects us to Him who made us. Jesus described this as becoming as a child. Children trust their parents. They will do what their parents tell them to do. This trust will cause them, without question, to follow those who guide them. Children are followers. They do not have a personal, selfish agenda. They spend no time on selfish pursuits. They are innocent of lying, deception and sinful pride.
The drama of what Jesus said when He told His disciples to become as little children, was not lost to them. They did as Jesus commanded in the beginning. Follow Me! (Matthew 4:18-19). They did follow Him preaching to the lost of the world. Often, their conversion led to prison and death (Revelation 2:10). John was the only apostle that escaped a premature death. They taught those who readily accepted the truth (Acts 13:44-49). They taught those who hated and killed His own Son (Acts 2). They, as children, trusted Him who had always submitted to His own Father’s will (John 8:29). As children, they followed Him.
—Norman Hooten, preacher for the New Boston, church of Christ via the Montana Street bulletin