For many of us it was a marker in our lives to walk down the church aisle and profess our belief in Jesus Christ. It was a proud moment to know that for all eternity we were His. There were those who cried tears of joy. Our parents and grandparents, maybe other family members, Sunday school teachers, others who had prayed for our salvation. It was not a thing we took lightly.

I am bothered by the way it is sometimes done today. “Every head bowed; every eye closed. If there are those who want to make Jesus their Savior and Lord today, just lift your hand. We don’t want to embarrass you, just lift your hand. If you’ve done that, we believe you are saved.”

Let’s ponder that a bit. The Father gave His Son for us in a humiliating, tortuous way. There should be a run down the aisle, not a hand raised with no one looking. Someone told me she would probably never have walked an aisle; she was too shy and wouldn’t want people looking at her. How do you think Jesus felt hanging naked and bleeding on a cross? How do you think His mother felt as she looked on?

It seems we’ve taught the world it’s okay to keep your belief in God a private matter.  “Every head bowed; every eye closed.” Please ponder again. People can stand for their sports team without any hesitancy. They can display excitement. They can talk enthusiastically about a win. Yet the biggest win of all is eternal life and we hold back on that one. My mother said when she walked the aisle to profess faith, her Aunt Ollie shouted with joy. Aunt Ollie was mentally challenged, but the Holy Spirit enlightened her about that moment. I love Mother’s story.

I’m glad I professed faith in a time when walking the aisle to the preacher at the front was the only acceptable way. It was required. By so doing, you were publicly declaring that Jesus was your Savior and Lord. You stood at the front for people of the congregation to file by and congratulate you on your decision.

Professing Christ should be a proud and glorious moment for every believer. It is the beginning of our witnessing, and it’s the beginning of our eternal life.

Therefore, anyone who confesses me before men, I will also confess him before my Father in Heaven. –Matthew 10:32 NASB