What Baptism Was In our Days

In 1995, my brother and I made a significant decision — we needed to be baptized. In our church, certain practices, like partaking in the Lord’s Table, were reserved for those who had been baptized, and this was a crucial component of our Christian faith. We enrolled in baptism classes, learning about its importance and the steps involved. But what stands out to me now is not just the lessons, but something that happened the day before our baptism.

Before the baptism, we attended a night vigil, which in those days was specifically meant for repentance and all-night prayer. Each of us was assigned a pastor to guide us through the repentance process, and by the time it was over, our voices were hoarse, and we could barely speak. The pastors demanded perfection, and I remember vividly the white clothes we wore on baptism day, symbolizing purity.

However, looking back now, I realize that so much emphasis was placed on external perfection — what we wore, how we looked — but not enough on inward transformation. We didn’t fully surrender to allow God to work in us. Instead, we focused on perfecting our outward appearance, as though that alone could satisfy what God desires from us.

This brings me to one of my favorite chapters in the Bible: Jeremiah 18. In it, God speaks to Israel saying, “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.” It goes on to explain how, when a nation repents of its evil, God relents from bringing disaster, but if it does evil and disobeys Him, He reconsiders the good He intended to do. This teaches us that when we surrender ourselves to God’s will, He shapes and perfects us. It’s not our job to strive for outward perfection; instead, we must allow God to mold us into His image.

Coming from a family with a military background, I have often witnessed how they strive for perfection — from neatly pressed uniforms to impeccable marching. But even this kind of perfection is only possible through surrender to discipline. In John 3:30, when John the Baptist’s disciples asked him who was greater, John responded, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John understood that Christ was the ultimate source of perfection and that only by decreasing in our own efforts can we allow God’s true perfection to increase within us.

Are you struggling with perfection? James 4:10 offers this encouragement: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” When we humble ourselves and surrender, God perfects us in His way and His time. It’s when we recognize that only He is truly perfect that we experience the fullness of His work in us. Surrender to Him, love Him, follow Him, serve Him, live for Him, and carry His message wherever you go.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, You are the source of boundless wisdom, endless love, and perfect purity. One day, we will stand before You, and I have no doubt it will be in reverent silence, overwhelmed by Your majesty. Thank You for each person who takes the time to read this. If anyone is running in the opposite direction, stop them with Your loving hands and turn them around. Father, we ask for understanding and wisdom in these times we are living in—times no one has ever experienced before. We need You now more than ever. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. I pray, trusting in Your mighty name, Amen.