~Why do you believe?

   Why are you a Christian? 
I always feel kinda on the spot when someone stops me while I'm out and asks me questions about my beliefs or lifestyle. I know in my heart why I'm a Christian but so many times when its popped on me I can't get my thoughts together.
  Do you know that in the Bible there is a command for you to be ready to answer questions like that? (If you don't know the answers yourself then I would suggest going and spending time with God right now to find out.) In 1 Peter 3:15 it says 'But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.' But there is also a verse that talks about not worrying what you will say. (Matt. 10:19-20) Now by this I'm not telling you the Bible contradicts itself because it doesn't. God can't so the Bible can't. What I'm trying to bring across is that there needs to be a balance between knowing it in your heart/living it, and letting God direct your words. I'm really saying this because I see so many young people living a 'Christian lifestyle' because that is what they are supposed to do and they never seem to have it as their own. Their parents say so, or their preacher says so. What they don't realize is that they are missing the intimate relationship God wants with each one of us. Its wrong and therefore its sin. Did you ever think about that? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this to tear anyone down but to push you forward! If you don't have this relationship fall down before God and beg Him for it! He won't deny it! He wants it more than you could ever imagine! You may say you still don't know how to get that. Well if you truly want it and put everything into getting that relationship, God will show you the way. A lot of it depends on you though. How important is it to you, to get it? Two things are necessary to obtaining it though: a broken and contrite spirit.