I hope you and your family had a great Christmas! What was the best reaction you saw from someone who received a gift they really wanted? I am sure there was a few happy screams, probably some jumping up and down, maybe even a look of stunning disbelief?

What about the best reaction you saw from someone who received a gift they really did not want? I am sure there were fake smiles, a half-hearted thank you, or a superficial hug?

Now compare those reactions to how you perceive your own response to the gift of eternal life through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Are you jumping up and down in excitement, or are you superficially showing up on Sunday mornings?

As we approach 2018 and pursue to be more courageous in our Christian walk, I encourage you to think back to when you first decided to follow Jesus and to recommit yourself to Him.

Romans 6:23 (NLT) “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”