I used to think.

I used to think God was sitting in Heaven watching my every move waiting for me to screw up. Now I see Him as a Father who greets me each morning with His tender hand on my shoulder as He asks me if I’m ready for my day.

I used to think being a Follower of Christ meant putting on the right image, saving people and trying to be good. Now all three definitions actually make me sick to my stomach.

I used to practice religion and thought it was actually the goal. Now, that whole idea makes me laugh and cry at the same time. God wants a relationship with us not a religion. I’m pretty sure that’s the whole reason Jesus came to earth but most of us fail to live that way.

I used to think Serving God meant going to a building on Sunday, putting money in a plate (as if God needs my money) and modifying my behavior. Now I know that serving God is about serving others, taking risk and transforming my life not my behavior.

I used to be afraid of God. I feared He would catch me doing something wrong and I would be disqualified from his presence. Now I understand Christ took care of all that and God is actually on my side, all the time, especially when I don’t measure up to those around me.

I used to think.

Now I simply live or should I say live simply.