12/27/2019
Are we true and resilient Christians, or does our faith require great care, and a very specific set of conditions in which to flourish? Are we like a reed that must have constant water for it to survive, or a barrel cactus that stores the water of infrequent rains within itself, and endures long periods of drought? There are many who are fragile, and whimsical, in their faith, but those who are hearty serve God faithfully, even in the worst of times.
“"Can papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Can reeds flourish where there is no water?”
Job 8:11 ESV
I grew up hearing the warning to beware of “fair weather friends.” I was told that you couldn’t depend on those who were only your friend when times were good, when you were prosperous, or when you were considered popular. It took me a few bad experiences where I needed help but my “friends” abandoned, or turned on me, before I came to understand the truth in that advice, and how to separate true friends from the “fair weather” variety. This is true of our church-mates as well; there are true believers, and there are “fair weather” believers. It is good to know how to spot the difference in them, but it is absolutely imperative that we know which kind we are ourselves. Listen to some things that a true Christian should be...
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:9-21 ESV
Does this passage describe your friends? How about you? Were you disciplined enough to even read all the way through this excerpt from Romans? In reading this passage we Come to understand many of the characteristics that make up a follower of Jesus, but knowing these things is very different than doing them, and doing them when it is easy for us is different than doing them when it is hard or uncomfortable to do them. Finally, we need to understand that true Christians allow these attributes to become who they are, and they find these traits have become inseparable from their inward selves. God sees our heart and in so doing He knows who is true, and who is only “Fair Weather” in their faith, and He rewards us for the fullness of our faith... how does the character of Jesus abide in each of us? What will Jesus see when He looks on us?
“And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'”
Matthew 7:23 ESV
As we travel the way of our faith in Jesus we begin by studying who He was, then by imitating Him, but finally we should reach that point where we have become as He is by absorbing His character into ourselves. Jesus Teaches us, will never abandon us, and walks with us, but listen to His warning to us regarding our perseverance, and strength of faith...
“"But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."”
Luke 21:34-36 ESV
There is no time like the present to begin the process of becoming transformed into a true Christian. Right now is the time to learn who Jesus is, that believe that he will never abandon us, and then to become as He is. Tomorrow never comes, but today is here now... can you begin your walk towards perfection... towards true Christianity?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, and for His teaching, and example of virtue. Help us Holy Father to be more like Him each and every day, so that on that faithful day when we stand before you in judgement you will only see your Son in us. Remake us Father into a perfect creature by removing the sin from us through the blood of Christ, and your grace which flows from Him. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who waters us in preparation for every drought, and gives us the ability to store your provision within us for times of famine. Hear us as we praise your name for your mercy and love. Great is your kindness to us, and strong is your right arm that protects us from our enemy. We worship you, and declare your glory before all of creation. We sing of our love for you, even as you are pouring your love over us. Hallowed is your name Father, and all glory is yours by your endless grace through Christ.
“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”
John 15:15-17 ESV
Rich Forbes