Your faith journey begins with a single step

We do something everyday that most of us never think about. We are fortunate to be able to do this because many cannot.

We take a step. We then take another step.

How many steps do you take in a single day? A single step is a short distance either forwards or backwards. A step is a simple concept. Think how many times a step is referenced in our daily language. We try to keep step. Sometimes we have to step aside. Politicians often side step. We sometimes step down. Other times we step up.

We have to be careful not to step off. Maybe we are called to step into some rather big shoes. When we are proud of something we can high step. Sometimes we even step out to do the two step. We always need to watch our step or we may land into some trouble.

Today, I want to share with you some steps for which we need to be aware. Every journey begins with a single step.

Jeremiah 10:23 reads, "A man's life is not his own. It is not for man to direct his steps."

If you are a parent, you probably remember your child's first experience with trying to take a step. A baby gets to the point of being able to flip over on his stomach. Not long after, he learns how to crawl. Eventually, babies tire of crawling. They come to believe they can make better time if they can get up on their feet. Once they do this, their chubby little legs begin to wobble. They take a step or two and then find themselves sitting on their diaper.

A baby is not sure of his first steps. It is the same for us in our spiritual life. We accept Jesus Christ as our savior, but we aren't always sure what this life is all about. As we grow older, our steps either take us toward or away from God. Every person has a decision to make about his life's journey. We all end up in one of two destinations. Romans 3:23 reads, "All have taken the first step into sin." We are all born into sin. God gives us so much time on this Earth to decide which pathway we will walk. When time runs out, it will be determined if a person has stepped up into God's presence or has stepped off into an eternity in Hell.

The Christian life begins with a step of faith. Romans 4:12 reads, "….walk in the footsteps of faith." We step toward the cross by having faith that Jesus Christ died for our sins. Though you may have faith in your pastor, family, church, and friends, it is only the faith you have in Jesus Christ that will sustain you through this life and open the door for you to enter Heaven.

I hope you have taken the initial step in your Christian life. Next week I will continue with more thoughts about the steps we take. Keep this in mind.

Between the time you finish reading today's column and begin to read next week's column, someone will take his/her final step on this Earth. There will be no back-pedaling from the decision they to either accept or reject Jesus Christ. Every decision brings with it consequences. Only one decision determines eternity.

Will you be the one to step up to the plate and lead that person to the cross?