Christianity can work for you too

I’ve heard people say, "Christianity isn’t for me". Or something like, "I can’t be a Christian. I tried it and it didn’t work."
Near the top of the list of my favorite country artists are Brooks and Dunn. A few years ago, one of their hits was "Red Dirt Road". I can relate to this song. I can’t say the theology is perfect, or even very good, but I still can relate to the dirt road metaphor—and, of course, finding Jesus.
Here are the words; they may not be exact:
I was raised on rural route three.
Out back where the blacktop ends,
We’d walk to church on Sunday morning, race barefoot back to Johnson’s fence.
That’s where I first saw Mary--out picking black berries.
That summer I turned the corner in my soul on that red dirt road.
It’s where I drank my first beer.
Where I found Jesus.
Where I wrecked my first car—I tore it all to pieces
I learned the path to heaven is full of sinners and believers
Learned that happiness on earth isn’t just for high achievers
I’ve learned, come to know, there’s life at both ends
Of that red dirt road.
Her daddy didn’t like me much
In my shackled up GTO
I’d sneak out in the middle of the night throw rocks at her bedroom window
Turn out the headlights; drive by the moonlight; talk about what the future might hold,
On that red dirt road.
I’ve been out into the world and I’ve came back in;
I lost Mary and I got her back again.
And drivin’ home tonight seems like I found a long lost friend.

This is a testimony, of life, and firsts. In my life, there was a pretty significant dirt road, a first beer, and a first car—that I didn’t wreck by the way. I drove it up and down that road. But most important, It’s where I found Jesus-well not on that dirt road, but certainly was a part of it. Actually it was in church on Sunday morning.
The song certainly makes for good reminiscing. I guess that’s what I like about good country music. I can relate to it.
The song continues, to talk about being back in the world, and coming back. The whole message of the song is life at both ends of that old dirt road.
It’s funny how something like a dirt road, which at the time is—well under appreciated, but in our memory and returning home after many years takes on new meaning.

I have talked to people who are convinced that Christian faith just doesn’t work for them. It may work for others, but not for them. They may have memories of meeting Jesus on Sunday morning—or on the dirt road of childhood somewhere. But that was a long, long time ago.
Many miles, many people, many transgressions, too many to confess. Or they’ve had an experience, prayed a prayer of invitation, or wept at an altar. But wake up the next morning, fearing it didn’t work.

But that longing for home doesn’t go away. And some are like the car in the song, tore all to pieces.
Now I don’t know about all the fancy excuses, and rationalizations, but I know, that like the song, you and I can at least come back to the Jesus of our youth.

Here are three examples of people who had problems that affected their faith and confidence.
The first was none other then King David himself. Many are familiar with the story of his adulterous affair with Bathsheba. But fewer are aware of the sultry details contained in the Bible story. Namely that in addition to committing adultery causing pregnancy, and covering it up, he ended up murdering her husband, one of his most loyal soldiers and citizens. So we have a religious man committing adultery and then murdering the husband to cover it up.
Well it wasn’t covered up; God made sure of that. But even though David paid dearly in this life for the consequences of his sin, he was forgiven by God, and saved in the end.

Have you denied your Lord? Remember Peter did three times on the night Jesus was crucified, and he was restored. He was literally sought out by the Lord whom he denied for that restoration.

Then there was the famous story of the prodigal son told by Jesus Himself in Luke 15. This young man in his pride insulted his father and family by demanding his share of the inheritance. He left with the money and squandered it in wild living. Penniless he came back to his home asking to be a servant. What he didn’t know is his father was watching for him to return and ran to meet him in forgiveness.
The only human requirement in all three of these situations was sorrow and contrition over their sin, which is hardly surprising that they underwent unbearable guilt and shame for their actions. But there’s something else in common.
It was heaven’s desire to bring these sinful men back. God convincingly made David aware that he couldn’t hide his sin and needed to repent. Jesus speaks of the father that waited and ran to his prodigal son when he returned home.
And Jesus Himself sought out Peter, the rock of the church to personally restore him to his faith and confidence.
Come on home to that "red dirt road" The Savior is waiting.
That's what I know, a poor part-time country preacher.