Spiritual Growth #8 – A Walk by Faith

In Part or Full?

2014, papaya

Christians, who have “in part” faith, actually have "hope" that our faith is faith. So, we indulge in fun things that have their origins in our fallen nature such as sexual immorality, greed, disobedience, hatred, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition, envy, drunkenness, etc. (Gal. 5:19-21). We “take faith” that regardless of these carnal activities, our salvation is still preserved. However, once these plantings reach full bloom, they decompose into our daily problems such as disease, lawlessness, suicide, crime, loneliness, unhappiness, discord, misunderstandings, revenge, cursing, backbiting, fighting, yelling, lying, screaming, etc. Thus, our tumultuous emotions blind us from ever seeing that our problems began with our in part faith as Christians.

For Christians who choose to follow (akŏlŏuthĕō, be in the same way with) Jesus, at first we find it difficult to let go of the fun things that emerge from our fallen nature (1 Peter 1:6-9). But eventually we do. Now the air seems cleaner, lighter, and life becomes stable, peaceful. The kids might even remark how “boring” it is at home, mistaking peace for boredom. This is the reality of a spiritually mature Christian, one who lives according to the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23). Wisdom informs us how to redeem the time because the days are evil (Eph. 5:15, 16). Joy gives us endurance through difficult times (Heb. 12:2). Patience helps us reach the finish line (Heb. 12:1). And love assures us of success because love never fails (1 Cor. 13:4-8).

It's all about a walk by faith, which is full of substance and proof (Heb. 11:1)!

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Scriptures are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version, Cambridge 1769. Used by permission. All rights reserved.