This week’s guest blogger is Anthony Varesio.  Anthony will be contributing to the NewLife blog on occasion with his, as he puts it, “unfiltered and in-progress diary of the personal challenges and revelations that come with my pursuit of becoming a better person and living ‘The Way’.” 

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:5-7)

I am so inundated with thoughts of spiritual and moral recovery that I have created a “traffic jam” in my mind.  I could literally write a rambling list of, or inventory of, self-realizations, focus items, or epiphanies to run an endless ink well dry.  But, one thing is weighing heavy on my mind; now stay with me, this could be a delicate situation:

 I am genuinely happy to be a Christian neophyte.  I am happy to be curious, in wonder, a seeker of truth, and be laden with religious fervor.  For once in my life I am not hiding from a difficult pursuit.  But then again, this time I am not alone, I have Him. As a new convert I have eyes and ears that soak up everything.  This data is filtered through the maze of a person who is seeking to abide and live in a Christ-like way, yet tainted by a lifetime of old habits, thought patterns, and cynicism.  Also, I know I could be easily influenced, in both negative and positive ways, by the company I keep.  I really want to do “life” the right way now, but I know that I have to be careful and real with myself and with the new behaviors and patterns I adopt, especially by example from others.  So again, “Who do I count on to help me in my walk with Christ?”

 I have met so many incredible people in my short walk.  I have seen understanding and forgiveness that has made me literally cry.  I have seen unselfish deeds and generosity that makes me shiver with joy.  I have heard the praises of God that has made me melt with appreciation.  I have seen God work through others that makes me want to surrender all that I am, and have, just to be part of something that wonderful. 

Then I have seen the turmoil of the devil’s hand.

 I have met devout Christians who judge others, yet live without taking a self-inventory; I have met Christians who speak with a gossiping tongue, yet act without mercy against those who “bruise” their ears; I have met Christians who impose their will on others without accepting the will of God upon themselves.  I have met Christians who have put personality before principles, even those principles that are the very fabric our Saviors teachings.

 So at times it leaves me to muse:  “Who is really LIVING the Way verses ACTING the Way?”  I don’t want to be a hypocrite by assessing or judging others, but I do feel I should be wary of those who offer a warm embrace with their hands one moment then serve a self-righteous slap the next moment. Or maybe I’m all wrong here; I mean, maybe my whole observation and concern is moot.  After all, the one thing our Lord desires the most is for us to love each other unconditionally, right?  Maybe some of my Christian Brothers and Sisters, especially those with questionable behaviors and actions, are put before me to further my walk with Christ; to sharpen me; to teach me true love through grace, or ironically through the absence of grace.

I guess I can answer my own question now:  “Who do I count on to help me in my walk with Christ?”  Well, coming to know Christ, through the Bible, is my first step; after all it is the instruction manual for good living.  Good knowledge, coupled with earned wisdom, and even some common sense, will help me to embrace my fellow Christian Brothers and Sisters instead of “sorting them out”. We are all different.  We all need each other’s colors to complete the human rainbow. We should let God figure out who will share our walk with us. Accept each person as they are, if there is something that person needs, or could improve, or change, then give and guide them with love, wisdom, openness, and grace.

Like I said, I am truly happy to be a “new” Christian.  I never want to become complacent.  I would rather always be a wretch who needs God and is subservient from the constant barrage of self realized deficiencies, realizations, and in awe of His grace that He gives me than be “comfortable” with myself to the point where I stand against another Christian Brother or Sister.  So my answer to my own question is: “We all walk together”.

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