January 10

 ‘To open their eyes…that they may receive…’ – Acts 26:18

                There is a two step dance in Christianity which is alluded to in Acts 26:18. The first step is to have one’s eyes opened, or to become aware. The second is to receive.

                All Christians have, by definition of being a Christian, had their eyes opened. They have recognized that Christ is Lord. Another term for this is conversion. We have been converted from atheism, rationalism, hedonism or any other -ism or -anity or -am and recognized that Christ is the way, the truth, and the light.

                The next step is to accept or receive the salvation that Christ offers us. It is not enough to merely recognize that Christ is Lord any more than it is enough to recognize a life raft without climbing into it. We must receive the salvation that is offered us through Christ.

                But, this is easier said than done. In order to make room for salvation, the Christian must first clear out the distractions with which he has cluttered up his temple. Receiving salvation means abandoning our will in acceptance of His. It is a commitment that the nominal Christian has not yet made.