Now What?

If I asked you what are the two most important days of the year for Christians, what would you say they are? Without fail, most people (myself included) would answer Christmas and Easter. These are the days we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the death and resurrection of Jesus, respectively. Christians are most likely to prioritize their faith on or around these days, and for good reason too. Make no mistake, Christmas and Easter cover a lot of theological framework and allow us to reflect on the central elements of our faith. Christians who attend church regularly often joke about those that only attend church on these days, but true Christians know there's more to Christianity than just attending church. Whether you have never been to church, rarely attend church, attend church only on Christmas and Easter, or try to attend church every Sunday, a commonality is present. After the build-up and excitement of the two most recognized and celebrated days on the Christian calendar, we all are frequently left asking, "Now what?"

To answer this question, we have to take an honest account of our faith. Do we simply like what Jesus did and said, or do we really believe it? 1 Peter 2:1 says, "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." 1 John 2:6 says, "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." In Matthew 16:24, Jesus' disciples were likely asking the same question after Jesus finished telling them about His pending death, but then Jesus said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."

Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer, once said, "I believe that when you die and go to heaven, God won't ask you what you've done but what you could have done." We can debate if this is actually true, but if it is, how does it change the way you live out your "Now what?" moments? Jesus makes it pretty clear that He doesn't just want some of us part of the time, He wants all of us all of the time. When the presents are all unwrapped and the Easter chocolate is all gone, Jesus remains. Despite what some may say, Jesus (The Holy Spirit) is alive and well among us. If we ask God and look to Jesus, the answer to "Now what?" may never be more clear.

​-Jacob

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