Baptism names, claims, and confers salvation. It is not “fire insurance,” but rather it commissions us for a life of love and service as a child of God.
What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? Must one have a conversion experience? Does an encounter with the Living God call forth a dramatic response like dropping your fishing nets and following Christ? More often, God calls regular folks—living saints—who follow the call of Christ into the mission fields, soup kitchens, or wherever God may lead. Conversion is an act of God that involves daily dying and rising to the promises of that baptism.
Look for Christ in others even if their behaviors make it difficult. And pray they will do the same for you.
This message is adapted from “We’ve Got People” written by Angie Shannon in the September 2011 issue of Gather magazine.