A Choice Every Christian Must Make

When I was 32, I quit my job as an attorney in Tallahassee, Florida, and left my townhouse-on-a-golf-course life and went to China to share Jesus. 

 I wanted deeper relationship with Jesus. I studied the Bible. I taught Bible studies. People began to come to me to help them understand the Bible and Christian life. 

Fast forward to over a decade later, I was in in Hong Kong, and I was floundering. When I thought about myself all I could see was my weaknesses and failures. I was insecure and defensive. 

And when I looked at others what I noticed first was their flaws and mistakes. I struggled with relationships and was ashamed of my behavior. This wasn’t what Christianity was supposed to be. Where was my love? Why was I so negative? Why couldn’t I just enjoy people? Why couldn’t I enjoy my own life? 

I was eating from the wrong tree.

God Placed Two Trees in the Garden of Eden 

Genesis 2:8-9 (NLT) There were many trees in the garden, but only two are named: the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. 

Did you notice that they were both in the center of the garden? hese two trees represent the two the two basic paradigms for looking at and living life. Our choice will determine how we see, understand, feel, think and act. 

The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil 

Genesis 3:1-8

Adam and Eve died that day – spiritually. And they discovered that: Life doesn’t come from knowledge. Life comes only from a relationship with God. 

The Tree of Life 

John 17:3 (TPT), Isaiah 59:2 (EXB), Ephesians 2:1 (NLT)

Our tree of life is the Cross of Jesus. Through the cross we enter into life-giving relationship with God through Jesus, the way to God, the only way. John 14:6 (NIV) 

Acts 5:30 (NKJV), Galatians 3:13 (NLT) 

Back to My Story

Remember, I was in Hong Kong and floundering. Where was my love? Why was I so judgmental? Why couldn’t I just enjoy people? Why couldn’t I enjoy my own life? 

In my zeal, I had made knowledge of the Bible my paradigm. 

I was a born-again Christian. But I had chosen the tree of knowledge as my worldview. I saw Christianity first and foremost as a search for truth.

Everyone and everything was evaluated through this lens. I evaluated every sermon. Was it right or wrong? I judged people. And myself. I was constantly looking to find what was wrong with myself, with family, friends, my church, etc. 

Finally, I Learned about grace.

Jesus initiates relationship with us by forgiving us. By Grace. The cross, the tree of life, made that possible. 

I finally understood. God’s grace is greater than any failure, any weakness, any sin I or anyone else will ever commit. Grace is Jesus saying, “you’re weak, here take my My strength. You sinned. Here is my blood to wash away your sin.” 

James 2:13 But mercy triumphs over justice.

Truth is important, but love is more important. 

Grace is undeserved, unmerited favor. Grace is forgiveness – again and again. Grace is loving people in their brokenness and in their sin. Grace is loving people who don’t deserve love and won’t love you in return. 

Activation: practice giving grace to the difficult people in your life.