I just had the glorious opportunity to witness the baptism of eleven students. One of the things that we always try to do is to meet with them individually and ask them a very simple question, "why do you want to be baptized".The thing that is cool with this question is there is no "right" answer. There are actually many possible right answers. Some students answered that they are being baptized, "out of obedience, because Christ said to believe and be baptized". Others mentioned that they wanted to identify with Jesus through baptism, or they wanted to be a witness to their family and friends. I like it when they say that they want to remember this moment as the big turning point in their life.
All great answers.
One of the things I admire the most about these students is their willingness to be identified with Christ despite the immediate identification with other Christians.
It's likely natural that if one thinks of Christ, they think of His followers. Christians are not always the best examples of Christ-likeness. It would be so more appropriate to be identified with Christ. Gandhi is reported to have said, "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ."
The Bible says that when we are baptized, we identify ourselves with Christ both in His death and in His resurrection.
Congrats students!
