As a Christian

In light of today being Easter, I thought I would explain what being a Christian means to me.

Yesterday, I had the amazing opportunity to go to the Festival of Colors at the Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah.  A few friends and I drove to Spanish Fork from Provo and participated in the religious ceremony.  When we arrived, we bought colored corn starch that looked like chalk and gathered by the Krishna Temple with thousands of other people.  At the beginning of the ceremony, we were told the story of Krishna and the history of the religion.  Then we were taught some religious chants and, on count down, threw our colored chalk into the air.  We all became engulfed in a cloud of color that stained our clothes rainbow.  We looked so cool!  Here are a few pictures from our experience :

                                                                                  

 Though I am sure I will be sneezing and coughing rainbow forever, the experience was totally worth it!  As we walked back to our car, we happened upon a commotion that quite disturbed me.  A man, holding a yellow sign with black letters, was shouting at the people passing by.  He exclaimed that those who participated in this ceremony could not consider themselves Christians.  His protest took me back.  What about the ceremony caused this man to be upset and make such absurd accusations?  True, this religion has a different belief system and God than I do but why should that matter?  They believe in a higher power just like I do.  Though our beliefs differ, we both believe in coming together to worship.  I was thankful for the opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture and learn about their lifestyle.  Am I not a Christian for feeling this way?  Absolutely not, of course I am still a Christian.  The Eleventh Article of Faith (if you are not familiar with this term, visit this website http://mormon.org/articles-of-faith!) says "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."  As a Christian, I am commanded to love my neighbor and not to judge others.  Who I am to judge others on their beliefs if I want my beliefs to be respected?  Everyone worships in their own way and based on their own beliefs.  As a Christian, I want to be accepting of others and learn all I can about the people and cultures of this world.  This world is a magnificent place if you open your eyes to the beauty of its people.  We are all God's children and He loves us all equally.  Jesus Christ came to save ALL men, whether they are Christian or not.  So when someone says Christianity constitutes abstaining from learning about and accepting God's children, I would have to disagree.  Being a Christian, to me, means filling your heart full of charity for your fellow men.  See the people around you as God sees them and you will find love for every person you meet.

Today reminds us of the most glorious miracle; the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  As a Christian, I know that Heavenly Father sent His son to this Earth to bring men unto Him.  As a Christian, I know Christ came to atone for the sins of men.  As a Christian, I know He was crucified as a perfect being.  As a Christian, I know He rose from the dead three days later.  As a Christian, I know my Savior lives.  Sometimes I wonder how all of this can be.  How could God send His son to die for me?  Why did Christ agree to come?  They have a indescribable love for us, to put it simply.  I truly stand all amazed that Jesus Christ would descend from His home on high to dwell among imperfect men and then die for them.  His sacrifice was the ultimate sacrifice of love for His Father's children.  After He suffered for every sin, mistake, unhappiness and burden, He gave His life on Calvary.  Today, we celebrate His return on the third day.  He broke the bonds of death and set all men free.  Sometimes, I don't think we realize the significance of that miracle.  Christ rose from the dead and through His sacrifice, he seals the promise that we can do the same.  I cannot wait for the day when I can kneel at His side and feel the nail prints in His feet, hands and side and cry thanks unto Him. I am so thankful for this Easter Sunday and for the opportunity to rejoice in Christ's resurrection.  As a Christian, I know my Savior is our perfect example.  He is my brother and my ever constant companion.  He fills me with a peace and a hope that encourages me to follow Him and find everlasting life.  As a Christian, I know my Savior lives.  As a child of God, I know my Heavenly Father and Savior love me.  As Paige Whitney, I know I am never alone for they will always be in my corner.  I wish everyone a wonderful Easter, filled with thanks for Christ's ultimate sacrifice and glorious return.