I have recently joined a study group of ministers that has raised some challenging questions for me about my life and about my love for the United Methodist Church.

 While I grew up in a Methodist family, I grew up with friends in various churches and often we would “swap” out going to each other’s youth groups or churches.  I have grown up thinking that most denominations have more in common than we like to talk about; but I am still a Methodist in heart and spirit down to my bones and toe nails.  But I am not a Methodist first.  I am a Christian who happens to be Methodist by choice.  I am a Christian Methodist or a Christian who happens to be Methodist.

So this group I am now part of is challenging me to ask of myself this question:  What difference does it make in your life that you are a Christian?   Another way to come to terms with this question is to ponder:  If I stopped being a Christian today, what about me would change? 

Here are a few differences being a Christian makes for me:

·        I am held by a love that will never turn me loose.  In the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus we meet the depth of God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, and life changing power.

·        When life gets scary,  my hope is anchored with a God who chooses to go with me and go before me into whatever life holds for me.  I can trust the one who holds the present and the future in grace.

·        When all is said and done, what Jesus teaches me to pray is true:  God will bring his kingdom; God’s gracious Will will be done on earth as in heaven.  Jesus’ death and resurrection make this clear to me.

·        The Christian life sets before me a way of life, with values, choices, and  priorities that shape how I need to treat and relate to others.  “Treating others as I want to be treated” gives me a way to life well and continually challenges me to live better and be a better person.

These differences are not fully exhaustive of what difference being a Christian makes.  I share them with you to encourage you and challenge you to seriously ponder what difference being a Christian makes for you.