Christ has been a guiding force in my life for many years now. I grew up as a Presbyterian, and during my High School years, I was "born again". To many this signifies that I belong to a group of people whose eyes have glazed over and whose brain has gone at least partially dead; in fact, "born again", in Christian terms, merely means that a person has found Christ on a personal level - anyone, from any branch of Christianity, can be "born again".

The feeling that I have, knowing Christ at this level, leaves a bitter taste in my mouth when I look at much of the rest of Christianity. I see many of the Churches strayed from the path Christ paves, and many of the would-be faithful, not finding Christ as they would, but rather following the paths of men.

Some follow the trail towards superiority, believing themselves to be on the one true path, and showing disdain towards all others. To these, I say that Christ had respect for all men, even those of pagan belief. To look down upon those of other faiths is to refuse them the nurture that Christ gave to all who he met.

Some follow the well-paved road of tradition, learning and using that which is not part of Christ's teaching. The rites of tradition hold no great secret about the path of truth, comforting though they may be, and teachers who hold sole custody over the true teachings of God do so out of no reason other than that of worldly power. If every man's body is a Temple to the Lord, then surely every man has within him the true teachings of Christ.

Some follow the path of greed, as though to purchase their way to righteousness. While money is a worthy gift to give to those who are in need, the Church is only in need of the money required to keep it going - Christ's path does not allow one to stop after such a simple gift. Give all of yourself unto others, as Christ did for the world.

Some do not follow the path, but are herded along by the fear instilled upon them by the teachings of others. If you are afraid, seek out the love of Christ, who does not threaten or bully, but accepts you as you are when you accept Him. Fire and brimstone serve only to threaten; light and song serve to bring harmony and the love of Christ.

Some cannot follow the path, because they have been blinded by false visions, and are instead led by others who encourage this continued blindness. Open your heart, mind, and soul to Christ's truth; lead yourself - help yourself - and Christ will be beside you for the times you are truly lost.

Some follow the path of hate, and these need to be cared about most. Christ was not Caucasian, and he spoke in repectful terms about women. Christ loves all, and cares for all - do as he does and give up your prejudices.

Remember Christ's words to the Pharasees - they ring true for many in the Christian community today.

Go with God's blessings, and let Christ's teachings fill your heart and soul, and spread through you to the rest of the world!

I would like to hear your comments on this page. Les Barstow