Baptism. What’s the point? What does it mean? And why do we have to do it?
These were my questions throughout the World Race. Everyone around me had been baptized, and recommended that I do it, but I didn’t see the point. I had already received the Holy Spirit, so why did I need to be dunked into cold water? “What’s the significance, I asked.” Everybody answered that it’s a “public profession of faith”. “Well”, I thought, “I’m on the World Race and hundreds of people read my blogs… so that’s a public profession of faith, right?” What more do I need??
My arrogant attitude remained for about 10 months, and then it hit me.
Month eleven I decided to study the book of Acts. I had attempted to study it numerous times before, but always got bored with it. But it was month 11 – I was going to persevere. As I was reading one of Peter’s speeches, I was convicted. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ…. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Three thousand? Three thousand people accepted the Lord and willingly dunked themselves in water? They didn’t have any questions or concerns? They didn’t think it weird? Huh….
Then the Lord reminded me of some tough lessons He had taught me on obedience. I had learned firsthand that when we obey and trust Him, He works things out for our good.
So I flipped back to the gospels where Jesus says to be baptized. He doesn’t say it’s an option. And he doesn’t necessarily explain why we must do it. He just says to do it. So, in that moment, I decided to let go of my pride, and obey Jesus. I decided to be baptized because Jesus said to, and because it’s not such a bad idea to publicly profess my faith.
So I died to myself and my arrogance, and was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. And no, the Heavens did not open up. There was no big sign or miracle that took place.
But I do feel like He’s very, very proud of me. And that’s worth EVERYTHING.
