FAITH
1
Peter 1:3-9
Faith
is perhaps the most central element in the Christian life because it is the
means by which we enter into salvation. But that’s only the beginning. From
then onward, our faith--or lack of it--shapes our lives and determines what
happens to us when the winds of adversity blow. Some Christians never lose
their footing even in hurricane-force winds, but others are toppled by the
slightest gust. To understand why this is true, we need to examine the source
of our faith.
Inherited
faith: If you grew up in a Christian home, you probably adopted some of the
beliefs of your parents. This kind of godly foundation is a wonderful gift from
the Lord, but eventually, each person must assume responsibility for his own
beliefs.
Textbook
faith: The Bible is the ultimate guide for establishing our beliefs. But that’s
not the only source of influence. Books, preachers, teachers, and friends all
impact our convictions. Our theology may in fact be sound, but faith is merely
mental acceptance until it’s put to the test.
Proven
Faith: Only when we trust the Lord through the fires of adversity will we have
faith that can stand. It is no longer based on what others have told us or what
we’ve accepted as true but on our firsthand experience of His faithfulness.
To
evaluate your faith, consider how you react to adversity. Do you cling to the
Lord or get angry at Him? Is your attitude one of rejoicing because He’s making
you more like His Son, or are you bitter? No one can escape adversity, but
those with proven faith will benefit from it.