From Religion to Relationship
By Rev. Sean E. Weaver
I grew up in the church; my father and mother together trained me in the way of God at an early age. I sang in the choir, read Scripture, served in any capacity that I could. I was in love with the church but not with Jesus, I had religion but no real relationship. This reality began to reveal itself when I was away in college. I started drifting far from the peaceful shores of Christianity.
As my social consciousness awakened I became increasingly disenchanted with the church, because I didn't see it dealing with the social issues. The church appeared to be silent regarding the suffering, and oppression that was/is paralyzing black people.
In the perceived silence of the church I began to listen to the voice of Louis Farrakhan, his charismatic approach of speaking truth to power nearly severed my ties with the church.
The Bible says train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it. I was hanging on by a thread. I drifted but didn't detach.
After graduating from college, I moved to St. Louis to begin my sales career. I had money but no meaning, a promising job but no joy. I was silently depressed, I felt confused and alone. I knew in my heart that Islam could not redeem me; but thanks be to God - He did not leave me nor forsake me.
A stranger on the street reintroduced me not to the church but to Jesus. Though I was radical, and reluctant to hear, the loneliness I felt in my heart was consumed by the love of Jesus.
I went to the church a friend had previously talked to me about and I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior, that evening I was baptized. No father, no mother present - just that friend that sticketh closer than a brother Jesus, my best friend. Upon coming out of the water I saw the windows of heaven open and the Spirit of God coming to dwell in and on me, empowering and equipping me for Kingdom building.
I stand as a living testimony that every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. I implore you to seek his face and he will give you amazing grace. Get to know Jesus Christ. He's willing and waiting to establish an eternal relationship with you today. I'm so glad I did!
