November 11, 2008

What's it all about? 

For the last few days I have been in prayer over several problems arising with my trip to the Philippines. It is in these times praise for God must come forth to help break the turmoil and cords the enemy would like to wrap us in. Coming to God in praise and prayer in the midst of a trial is just another small step made in the process of a faith walk to come to holiness and righteousness. This step is to show others we can and will obey and submit to the workings of God in our lives and that it isn’t all about us and our wants.

Our Christian faith walk is a process and yet completed at the same time. Ultimately, it has very little to do with us.

How can I say that? If it isn't about us, then what's it all about? After all, we're the ones who have to live with the process. We're the ones who struggle with making the choice to obey or not hundreds of times a day. We're the ones who face being estranged from family and friends because of our faith. We’re the ones working out our salvation with fear and trembling, surely it has everything to do with us.

The reality is that once we've accepted Christ, we're made righteous in the eyes of Christ. We've been prepared to be in the presence of a Holy God for all eternity and we are now His part to live our lives to show His glory to others.

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. Philippians 3:7-9 NIV

Christ died to make us His family. 

In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises." Hebrews 2:10-12 NIV

If that's the case, why doesn't He simply take all the believers home once they accept Him? Why leave us behind to fall on our faces and struggle? We've got a guaranteed gate pass to the afterlife with Him so why not simply redeem it for us?

Our faith walk is to show others about Christ. As people see us change, some will be drawn to a relationship with Him and He will be brought glory. There is a teaching that captures it well when it says:

 Question 1: What is the chief and highest end of man? 

 Answer: Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever. 

This teaching is simply man's attempt to explain the workings of God in a concise way, to define what it is that we believe. So what does the Bible say? Scripture echoes the thought that our purpose is to glorify God.

We're the salt and light so that other people "may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." 

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 NIV

Jesus commission to the disciples was to go tell others about Him. 

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

Jesus told us to love so that others would know we were His. 

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 NIV

Everything we do and everything we face is an opportunity to share with Jesus with others through our attitudes, our actions or our words. The world is hungry for hope, healing, love and forgiveness. They are watching even when they say they are not.

When you're struggling with life's ups and downs, take heart. Remember, you're part of a much larger picture, a piece of a giant puzzle. The way you react can draw others to be safe in the Father's arms forever.

Until next time, rejoice in whatever comes your way. You have the privilege of bringing glory to the Creator of All Things, to the Most High God. You are part of an eternal plan to bring many sons [and daughters] to glory. Whatever you face pales in comparison to the things you are a part of and what God is working for your good that you don’t know about or may not even understand.

Be blessed

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