Marriage into Christ

A good friend of mine got baptized Sunday evening. He was raised episcapalion (sp?) with his parents, however, he started searching out a new faith a couple months ago. He went to a working campaign with our church two weeks ago, and was on fire for the Lord. Then he started questioning his purpose in life, and realized he needed a Savior. So he studied what he needed to do, and got baptized, turning his life over into God's hands. However, his father wasn't too pleased with his decision. He was discouraged, however, uplifted by the fact that he had many supporters outside his family, who knew what he did was right.

I can understand how a father or parent in any matter, would be confused about a situation like this, if they didnt believe the same thing. I mean, if my kid starting hanging out with a group of people I didnt know, and a group of people who believe a whole different thing than I did, i would be concerned.

I told my mom about the whole thingy, and she said that she could understand that also. However, she supports my friend in his decision, cuz he believes what we believe in. She also said that some people believe that baptism is a cult. But, this is what I compare baptism too. A wedding....a ceremony. Imagine that you love someone so much! You know he loves you also. You know you love him, you'd die for him. You want to commit your entire life for him, serving him in everyway possible. Now, you have a choice to know all of that, a just continue carrying it throughout life, without a wedding or making any serious commitment to him. Or, you can get married, and have a wedding. It doesnt matter how big the wedding is, what colors you used, how good the food was, all that matters is the fact that you are showing your commitment to that person, by having a wedding. You arent only showing it to the one you love, but also to those who attend. You are showing them, that you are promising to forever take care of this person, and love him. At your wedding, you exchange vows, give eachother rings, and then are pronounced man and wife. From that point on, you have a mission, that sometimes may seem impossible, but because of your love, you'll do it any ways. You wear that ring, in remembrance of your promise, and in rembrance of that person, and all the things you have been through together.
With that image, imagine that you and Jesus are getting married. Your baptism is the wedding. You are showing Jesus that you are going to be buried with him, and then raised, walking in a new life, together with him. You are going to commit your life to him, until death do you part. After you make your promises to Jesus, knowing that you are forever his, you get baptized, showing that you are now a Christian. You are now clothed in Christ. As a symbol for your comittment that you made, and all the things Jesus did for you, you take the communion, aka, the ring. You take it as much as possible, with the right mindset. You live your life for him from that moment on. At first things may seem so great, and easy, but eventually, things get old, your flame isnt as big. But that is for you to work on. Keep pressing on, even if your marriage with Christ seems iffy. Cuz he loves you, and you love him, thus shown through your baptism, which he commanded you to do.

Well, that was just on my mind. I had to get it out. I hope it made sense.

-Ambular