How do we apply our faith during this unprecedented times? The world and system seem to be failing us. Even the Church seems to be living contrary to what it preaches. Our mind may start to question the authenticity of the Christian faith Christ died for.
Every generation has experienced the war against the Christian faith; before and after Christ. Before Christ the Israelites, the chosen race had their hearts swayed from the truth of Yahweh. There divided interests originated from lack of understanding of this Yahweh (God), resulting in none commitment to His truths. Tows swayed the people by the current trend in the then society the Bible describes as the works of the flesh, ”Now the results of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like” (Galatians 5:19-22). The scripture clearly describes the aftermath of negligence from the laws of God to this generation, and they ended up in exile with oppression and lack. History is still repeating itself in every sphere of life today. Unprecedented happenings occur in the government, churches, homes, society, and individuals. The trend is moving like an epidemic among the affluent, respectable, and the ordinary people; they call the wrong way the right.
Does this mean everyone will escape justified from the errors? Absolutely no!
Contravening the mandate of the Almighty God has its negative consequences whether committed or not; Christian or none Christian, and the Bible makes it obvious that ” Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished; But the posterity of the righteous will be delivered” (Proverbs 11:21).
Those who desire to walk intimately with God don’t have to get frustrated and focus on the societal negativity; the reason the Word is the guide or compass for the believer who is interested in walking close to God, and be successful in their Christian race. Paul uses the race analogy to describe the Christian walk “the Race of Faith”
” Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus, I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1Corithians 9:23-27).
Also, the scripture warns not to consent when sinners entice us (Proverbs 1:10).
Joseph was a slave boy from Israel; sold out by his wicked brothers to slave hunters from Egypt and ended up in Potiphar’s house. His master loved him with all confidence, and made him the charge over his household, except for the wife.
Potiphar’s wife lured Joseph for many years to sleep with her, but Joseph refused. Then, on a fateful day, she grabbed Joseph to force him. Joseph said, how will he do this wicked thing and sin against his master and God; he left his garment behind and fled from the woman. The woman, because she had Joseph’s clothes lied against him to her husband that Joseph was forcing her. Joseph ended up being locked up in prison for a few years. While in prison, the evidence of the presence of God with Joseph was obvious. Finally, in a single day Joseph was released from the prison and appointed the Prime Minister of Egypt.
Joseph would have missed this opportunity if he consented to sin with Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39). How many times have people who are to live exemplary lives failed us? Will they blowing it become a reason to follow suit? A life of intimacy calls the Christian to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
When we love God and walk with him, we hate to offend Him; we will not join the multitude to do evil. Daniel stood firm on His faith; he will not bow down to false gods because he had a reverence for God. He opted to be thrown into the den of lions than to worship another God. Shadrach Meshach, and Abednego chose to be thrown into the burning furnace than to worship another God. These characters experienced divine intervention that lured their persecutors into acknowledging God (Daniel 6; Daniel 3).
The fear (reverence) of God and not of the trend of society or association, resulted in the wise choices these characters made – this is Wisdom.
As we walk intimately with the Lord, we come across people we look up to, fail us, sometimes. Our faith walk is never to be in man, but on the Word of God – remember,” Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119: 105)
” Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus walked in the wisdom of the Almighty God, to complete His ministry, and become an overcomer. as children of the highest we require the Wisdom of God to run our race. ” Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7)
The book of proverbs gives us the words of wisdom, and we get to understand more as we grow in intimacy with God.
You may use the link below to access the book of Proverbs, chapter 1-3 on YouTube.
Also, a link for a song of dedication and grace to follow the Lord,
“O Jesus I Have Promised”
https://youtu.be/rC-2Ss9tg7I