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Q: I'd like to be a real Christian, but I don't think I could make it. I know how weak I am, and I don't think I could ever measure up. I've seen a lot of hypocrites, and I don't want to be like them. -- S.H.

A: I'm thankful you don't want to be a half-hearted or mediocre Christian -- and God doesn't want you to be one either! In fact, some of Jesus' strongest words were directed at those who claimed to love God but in reality were only interested in themselves (see, for example, Matthew 6:1-2).

But let me point out two important truths. First, God welcomes us just as we are. He doesn't wait for us to clean up our lives; He doesn't reject us because we're not perfect; He doesn't look down on us with scorn or hate. Instead, He loves us, and when we come to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith, He welcomes us and forgives us and makes us part of His family forever. Jesus' promise is true: "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (John 6:37).

The second truth is this: When we come to Christ, God Himself comes to live within us by His Holy Spirit. One reason He does this is to give us the strength to live as we should. We aren't left to our own resources; we don't have to fight life's temptations and battles alone. God is with us, and He will help us as we rely on Him instead of ourselves. The Bible says, "The Spirit helps us in our weakness" (Romans 8:26).

By a simple prayer of faith ask Christ to come into your life today -- and He will. Then grow stronger in your faith every day, as you pray, learn from God's Word, and draw strength from God's people.

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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

(c)2017 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.