Baptism

For those of you who know me, but were not aware, my wife and I were baptised this weekend. My pastor had told us that each of us might be expected to say a little bit to our assembled friends and family as part of the celebration. That opportunity did not present itself, and as I am somewhat gunshy when it comes to talking publicly, or off the cuff in those types of situations, I let it pass.


But as I sit here tonight, I feel a renewed urge to say what I intended to say on Saturday afternoon. So here it is, more or less. (I'll omit the stammering and verbal pauses for the sake of you, dear reader)

I understand my commission as a follower of Christ, but I so often fall short of that task. From my short amount of study, I feel woefully unprepared to present or discuss the Scripture. I know so many of my own shortcomings that I feel meek in opening myself up to examination. As a result, I have in the past shied away from discussing matters of faith with non-believers for fear of being "exposed".

In reading and praying on baptism, I have come to understand two things that have had a powerful impact on my faith and courage. The first is that baptism, as with the commission, is an act of obedience. By my baptism, I am making an outward declaration that Christ dwells inside of me. With that indwelling, I gain His strength, courage, and glory. When speaking for Him, I am really a mouthpiece, saying what He would have me say. For how can I truly fail when He is leading?

Secondly, I understood that no amount of reading, or memorization, or biblical knowledge, can adequately prepare me for baptism. Baptism is not a culmination of my knowledge, but a declaration of my faith. My growth in the knowledge of the Word will continue so long as I continue to read the Bible and seek understanding with an open mind. Likewise, my faith in Christ will continue to flourish so long as I am obedient to His will. His Will is clearly that I, as should all of his followers, be baptised. How can I deny His will, when it is so clearly placed upon my heart?