I love Cornerstone! For those of you who have never had the blessing of going, it is a HUGE festival of music, seminars, worship and fellowship (and usually mud) in the middle of farm country in Western Illinois.

I have gone for 10 years in a row now, and I still get excited on the drive there. Especially when I make that turn East on IL 7 for the final 4 miles to the gate. (watch your speed there…) My excitement hits a high point as soon as I can catch a glimpse of the big tents on the right. If you’ve been there, you know what I mean!

What’s so exciting about C’stone? Actually, the music is really not the biggest thing for me. It’s cool seeing bands and all, but I even more greatly enjoy seeing, hanging and praying with friends, going to great seminars, and anticipating that “one defining moment” that usually happens.

And I enjoy it because it is easy to be a follower of Jesus there. It’s easy to publicly talk about, worship and believe in Jesus. Everybody there is like me, and filled with the same Spirit. It’s easy for someone on a stage to say “Jesus is Lord” and get a favorable reaction from it. It’s easy to hear that said from a stage and give a favorable reaction to it. It’s easy to say “I’m hardcore/punk/drug free for Christ!” It’s easy to renew commitments to Christ. We feel strong in faith, and leave Spiritually charged up.

But what is it like a few months, or even weeks after C’stone? Do I feel as strong? Is it still easy to be a follower of Jesus and publicly talk about Him? Do I still honor those (re)commitments I made? Am I still hardcore or whatever for Christ?

Unfortunately, it is much harder to be and do those things beyond C’stone. It’s easy to fall back into bad habits. It’s hard to keep that Spiritual “charge” from such an event.

Seek ways that help you to maintain that ease of following Jesus that you get at C’stone or any other such event. Find those things that will keep your heart and mind on Christ.

Philippians 4: 7 - 9

- Richard M.