What's My Story
Lost in Church
Ray Fritz
I was very active in my church growing up. I was baptized, confirmed, attended youth group, Sunday school even ushered on Sundays. But I only knew about Jesus in my head. My life outside of church involved stealing,cheating, lying and vandalism. I knew the things I did were wrong but I assumed going to church would make my good outweigh my bad the other six days of the week.
I felt guilt when I got caught doing some of these things. Several times I was kicked out of classes and once I was kicked out of school. Yet I really thought going to church would make things right.
When I was 16 my brother Rocky made a commitment to Christ. His life was changed and he decided to leave the church we grew up in. This was a huge blow to our family to have him leave our church. We ridiculed, mocked and persecuted him in any way we could think of. He was literally hated in our family. My father would not even attend Rocky's wedding and made it clear that Rocky was no longer one of his children. But Rocky was steadfast and continued to share how Jesus had changed his life. I watched him for four years as his actions backed up his words. Rocky was instrumental in leading my sister and several more brothers into a personal relationship with the Lord. As I observed this I knew I needed the Lord not just in my head but in my heart also.
On June 20, 1983 I finally humbled myself and knelt in the quiet of my room and received Jesus Christ into my life. He came in and transformed my life, my actions, my tongue and my purpose in life.
The guilt I once felt has been lifted. The things I thought were fun or exciting that once riddled me with guilt are no longer temptations. I now have incredible joy and great fun serving Him with no guilt. He has made me a new person.
1 John 5:13 says, "These things are written so you may know that you have eternal life in Christ Jesus our lord." I am certain that if I was to die today I would go to heaven. He has given me an assurance that frees me to live for him each and every day.