My Last Baptism

My Last Baptism

Have you ever searched for love, direction, guidance or help in the manner speaking when it comes to religion? Have you ever taken the time to listen to someone else’s voice other than you own and follow their suggestions to see if they are right and the purpose seems to be consistent with everything that happens under the stars and heaven?

Well seeking the light is one means of finding oneself and this is a true story of a man once lost but now found. Not because of the baptism but for his resilience to keep looking for the truth and peace in his heart and soul.  

Young and naïve but yet no longer a child you ask those simple questions talked about in the Bible constantly. How is Christian baptism performed? What steps do you take to prepare yourself to qualify for baptism? Is there a commitment to God and what special reasons are there to be baptized? 

First off, there is the need for knowledge and faith. You must be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. You must have faith in the fact you have gained the knowledge but you must believe in what you have learned. Knowing God’s promises will give you guidance you need to keep the spirit alive. 

Then the time comes to share what you know, what you feel and what you believe in as a child of God. This is a delicate matter and should be handled carefully so not to offend, scare or anger anyone not interested in your message or God’s words.  Teachings should not come before learning and learning should be done with faith. 

Once you have taken the steps of learning, of believing and sharing you must repent and convert your life to turn your life around and be forgiven for your sinful ways. It sounds difficult and for many it is but in order to receive God’s forgiveness we must first give ourselves to God.  Here you learn to express your regrets, your rejection of the old ways and not do whatever you may have done wrong again. 

Before you are ready to be baptized you must make a personal commitment and dedication to God. You must promise to give your devotion to Him eternally or plain words – forever. You must learn to obey and to reject. A line is drawn and you must know your responsibility to submit your personal desires for the sake of obedience to God. 

Dealing with the reality of failure is natural and should be reinforced by consoling each other for comfort. There will be disappointment but if you think you will fail you must delay giving your promise to dedicate your life to God. Only when you are ready to commit and overcome the fear of failure are you ready for baptism. It’s no guarantee but it is acceptable to trust the Lord in what is to come. 

Once you are there, you symbolize your love, commitment and promise by getting baptized. This is a personal act that bonds you with God and leaving behind the old and bringing in the new in your life. In a matter of fact, you have died and are reborn with another spirit. You are alive and promise to do the will of God and no other. 

Finally there is no baptism debate over whether you should be submersed in water or the sprinkling of the Holy water is preferred over the other. Each is entitled to his or her own opinion as religion is not the issue here but having love, faith, sharing and committing to God forever are common bonds. God loves all and those who seek God will find God in their own ways.