A Modern artist attended an exhibition of his own abstract paintings. He was disappointed to discover that one of the most admired paintings in the gallery was in fact hanging upside down. My life in the 60’s was like a piece of abstract art; it had a lot of movement, energy and colour, but no real meaning, no purpose and it brought no real satisfaction.
One day a group of students were discussing religion. The outcome of the discussion was that I decided to accompany a student to her place of worship. I had not been into a church since I left Sunday School at the age of 11. I was surprised to see the number of young people there who I often saw at dances, discos and parties. During the service they were chatting to each other and it appeared to me that they were going through the motions of a service but not taking much notice.
The following Sunday I decided to pay a visit to a local church where I had once attended Sunday School. The Bible reading was from Luke Chapter 16; the story of the rich man and Lazarus. I was confronted by the two stark alternatives of Heaven or Hell.
During the following week I could not find any rest, so I turned to the Gideon New Testament I had been given in school and tried to find the passage about the rich man and Lazarus. My Bible knowledge was poor and I could not find it. However what I found in other passages that week made me feel deeply concerned and convicted. It was as if God was speaking directly to me through the Bible.
For a week I tried to change my life, but this did not bring any peace of mind. In desperation I contacted two people for help. One sadly did not understand how I felt and the nature of my concern. The other however did understand exactly how I felt and explained that God was dealing with me. The burden I had for my own personal sin was not lifted until I heard a minister in an evening sermon explain that Jesus Christ had paid the price of my sin upon the cross.
Very shortly after I came to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for my salvation. My girl friend at the time took me along to see the latest Michael Caine film. I remember sitting there in the dark listening to the words of the theme song, ‘What’s it all about Alfie?’, and I thought to myself, ‘Yes for the first time in my life I can truly say I know what life is all about’.
Have you discovered the true meaning and purpose of life?
I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
JOHN 10 verses 9 -11