Old School Part 4

In chapter three verse three of the book of John, Jesus says, "no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." As I read, I asked myself what it means to be born again. To me, being born again means sloughing off the worldly things that keep us from God that we continue to hold on to and submitting to God's will. I've both read and experienced that God honors those who obey Him. After submitting my own stubbornness and being baptized by my choice this summer, I found a new strength to battle the temptations that plague my life. I also found a new peace about life. God remains faithful to those who follow His will. God alone knows what is in our best interest. When we act in obedience, God can give us the blessings He has in store for us. Like real birth, spiritual rebirth can be painful. But also like real birth, spiritual rebirth is a miracle and a blessing. Tears will be shed, hearts will cry out, and we will stray, but the ultimate end is unimabinably beautiful. Heaven awaits those who obey God's will. I heard somewhere that Christopher Reeve's (he played Superman in the movies and is now paralyzed due to a horse-riding accident) response to a question about his spirituality was, and I quote, "When I do good things, I feel good. When I do bad things, I feel bad. That's my religion." As sorry as that kind of religion seems to me, it does hold a certain truth. God takes joy when we obey, and thus we can take joy. When we do wrong, there is guilt; God's punishment. So when we do good, there is a certain joy, but why do you take joy in good? Think about it.