Growing Faith vs Tested Faith

...you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

James 1:3 NIV

I was thinking about the challenges we have faced in the last few years and this verse came to mind.

I think maybe I have focused more of doing things in faith, having more faith, more than the concept of God allowing my faith to be tested. 

Growing in faith is challenging and creates an adventure in faith, testing on the other hand feels a whole lot different.

James goes on to explain why this happens.

To produce other key attributes in my life, to get to the "not lacking anything part", the testing part, the uncomfortable seems to be a necessary step.

But it is not easy and is many times hard to reconcile,

For example the more I have considered myself to be living in, operating in faith, I wonder if God has allowed it to tested as much? Not something I can quantify, it is more of a feeling.

My hearts prayer today...

"God please use this time to grow me into who you need now and in the future. " 

"Help me to handle this season better."

"I can't want for what comes next after this work you are doing."

Maybe you can relate or this helps in some way?

Something to think about...

Maybe the Opposite Should Be True?

When I look at the New Testament teachings about how to best do this "christian living" thing, what the apostles wrote and what of course what Jesus said, I have always found that their statements countered the culture of the world we live somehow.

The concepts of turn the other check, when someone ask something to give them more, to forgive your enemies. It is an endless list of contradictions to the way the world recommends and acts. Even I would say counter many times to our nature and intuition.

It is for me what helps set apart Jesus teaching from all other religious leaders.

He never seemed to just teach what was expected or was already accepted, it was supposed to be better!

Then something like what I saw in the last week happens.

And something inside me says, "hey this can't be right???"

I will link the video I saw below, but in case the link doesn't work, let me paint the picture for you.

It shows two men riding in a horse drawn carriage into a lavish venue arrangement. 

People dressed as angels wave their fake wings.

Both men are dressed in finery with one wearing what appears to be a crown and robe like he is a king.

And then the "icing" on this whole visual cake is there is announcer who proclaims and I quote, "A man of God makes a glorious entrance. The man of God of the universe!"

I have a strong reaction to this video.

It strikes me as being something that is completely opposite of how Jesus taught us and especially leaders should act. In my opinion this is dangerous and wrong!

It takes respect into what many could construe as idol worship.

Scripture clearly teaches concepts and patterns for removed from what is shown here.

He must increase and I must decrease. John 3:30

Humble yourself so that he can lift you up. 1 Peter 5:6

God responding to a contrite heart. Psalm 51:17

God opposing the proud! 1 Peter 5:5

Leaders should serve. Matthew 23:11-12

Can I encourage you to not be tricked to live as the world lives and how these so called leaders operate? Let the challenge of Jesus teaching, what the apostles and early church taught, challenge your being and give you a better way to live for Him.

Something to think about...