Confession By: Steve Ahring

It is hard to own your mistakes and shortcomings. It is always easier to blame the circumstances or someone else. As Christians, we are required to confess our sins and pray for forgiveness. I have always struggled with this and have often attempted to justify myself by pointing to the behavior or actions of others. However, as I have matured it has become increasingly evident that I am solely responsible for myself.

I have never been comfortable verbalizing my thoughts in conversation or in front of crowds. I get tongue-tied and the words just come out wrong. Therefore, I am committing this confession to paper and ask that you (the reader) bear witness and think no worse of me for this honest exposition.

1. Lord - As a young man, I was always on the look for more, never satisfied. Always seeking a thrill but constantly bored.
2. I had money, yet was poor. I was strong but oh so weak. Free as the breeze, yet slave to desire.
3. I sought revenge for every wrong and demanded respect yet gave little in return.
4. I was alone in a crowd – never trusting anyone.
5.  Believing in God but not allowing that belief to get in my way.
6.  Oh so smart, yet so dumb. How do you teach someone who knows all?
7. My philosophy was, "Life is short – party on." Now I understand that a life well lived is eternal. I was lost but now am found.
8. I have transformed in spite of myself. Jesus Christ, through love, compassion, and truth has triumphed in my life and I rejoice in this fact.

The key for me was recognition of something far greater than myself. In Christ, I have obtained contentment and peace with myself and my place in the world. I have discovered that the secret to a happy and rewarding life is helping others. I remain far from perfect but have become a better person through the grace of God.

In Matthew 7:7, Jesus tells us, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." If you are seeking answers, or would just like to share fellowship with some good people, The First Christian Church in Girard, Kansas invites you to join us for worship at 10:45 A.M. on Sunday mornings.