Page 13 - The Plain Truth Spring-Summer 2026

I gave her a couple of minutes there at the communion rail ‘If they wanted to hang on to their old ways they could. Jesus,
to talk privately to Jesus, to take that important step in her however, was only inviting people who wanted to go on a
life. Then I said a prayer of commitment for her. When we new journey. They needed to turn their back on their old ways
both opened our eyes, she was a different person. and start all over again.
The frown had gone from her face. Her shoulders were ‘We miss the point if we think that we can simply add on two
no longer hunched. She held herself straight and her whole or three Christian attitudes and virtues to our old way of life. It
demeanour was so much more relaxed. It was great for just can’t work. The Apostle Paul put this very clearly when he
me to see it. No doubt when she went home there would wrote, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. I no longer
be issues to resolve, but that experience showed me the live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by
difference that giving our lives to Jesus can make. The trusting in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for
peace and strength and renewal that we receive. me.”’ (Galatians 2: 20)
Using skills to share faith Too much to ask?
I know a high-profile man who lives his life for Jesus and in There was one man in the Bible who found that going on
sporting circles he makes a big impact. His name is Ruan this new journey with Jesus was a step too far. He is known
Pienaar, a rugby player who has more than 80 caps for as the rich young ruler. He came to Jesus and asked Him
South Africa and who was a World Cup winner with his what he had to do to get eternal life. Jesus mentioned some
country in 2007. of the commandments that he would have to keep.
He spent the later years of his career playing in The young man rather indignantly said that he had kept
Northern Ireland and turned out to be one of the finest all those. What more did he have to do? Jesus said that he
players, if not the finest, to ever represent Ulster, but would have to sell all his possessions and give the money to
those who knew him found him just as impressive a man as the poor. Then he would have treasure in heaven.
a rugby player. We are told when the young man heard this, he
He was one of a number of Ulster players who came went away sad because he had great wealth. He was an
down to the packed St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast one important person in his day. Maybe for people of that time
night in January 2016. They talked about their faith. Ruan he was a household name. But he turned his back on the Photo Credit: sweet publishing/freebibleimages.org
said that rugby was not the most important thing in his life. invitation Jesus gave him. And today no one in the world
He only used it as a means of sharing his faith. knows his name.
When I went up to him to introduce myself, I found him On the other hand, a despicable little man like
most approachable, a humble man of God. That is the way Zacchaeus, a tax collector who robbed people of their
people can be when they give their lives to Jesus. money, did accept the invitation of Jesus. Today any child
The reason that I am taking this line in my article is in Christian circles could tell you who Zacchaeus is.
because recently a young woman asked my advice. She was
very busy both in her family life and in her work and it
was putting her under stress so much that she had broken
out in a physical illness – could I help her to cope with the
pressure and learn to relax? I said that, in my opinion, the
best way to find God’s peace and relaxation is to give our
lives completely to Him.
There are no shortcuts. Just give our lives completely to
Him. That is the place of safety and security.

First – in everything
In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus gives us some good advice,
reminding us that when He is looking after us there is
no need for us to be anxious. I like how he finishes that
passage in verse 33 – ‘But seek first his kingdom and
his righteousness, and all these things will be given to
you as well.’
When we put Him first before all else, He will provide
everything else that is needed. It is just as well to be clear
that becoming a committed Christian means putting God
first in every area of our lives.
For many people that is a stumbling block. They find
that step difficult to take. A friend of mine wrote on this
theme recently. Houston McKelvey was Dean of St. Anne’s Giving everything to Jesus can be frightening. We like to
Cathedral, Belfast from 2001-2012. This is what he said in be in control of our own affairs. Giving our lives to Jesus is
his monthly column for the Belfast Newsletter: giving Him permission to be in control.
‘Living for Christ is the most amazing and wonderful life But in my experience, there is no need to be afraid.
which we can commend to others. Jesus called people and I have found that the more I give to Jesus, the more He
He called them clearly. gives me back in return. !

Find us online at www.plain-truth.org.uk Spring-Summer 2026 The Plain Truth 13