Be Teachable

The first lesson of keeping a faith focus had to do with defining and prioritizing the relationships in life.  This is key to walking the walk of faith with integrity.  Last week we covered the only foundational relationship upon which all the rest of our relationships and life is to be built upon; that foundational relationship is found only in Christ.  From this personal and intimate relationship all others are built and established.   Therefore it is important that we make Christ the central and imperative relationship in our life.  Too often we lose sight of this fact; that He is to take first priority.  When that happens we lose our focus and way. 

The second lesson of keeping a Faith Focus is learning what it means to being teachable; to learn from our successes as well as from our failures.  God’s children sometimes are wounded by their own sinful actions and remain inactive and guilt ridden rather than finding forgiveness and an impetus for growth and positive action for their lives and for the Kingdom of God.  Others become wounded by circumstances or situations outside of their control or doing, and find themselves bitter or discouraged and begin to waver in their passion and commitmnt.  Stll others are simply stubborn and rebellious, refusing to confess their wrongful acts.  All of these are disruptive to a positive Faith Focus of a life that glorifies God.  Only by learning the lessons of life and growing in our knowledge and intimacy with God can we maintain a good faith walk; one that glorifies God and possesses an interity based upon faithfulness, obedience and confidence in Christ.

Friendship and Faithwalk

Last week we learned the importance of living out your faith and finishing the Christian race well.  This week we look at the part that friends and personal associations take in our faith walk.  Too many today compartmentalize their lives topically; this belongs to work, this to church, and this to family.  The truth is that our faith in Christ is to permeate every facet of our life; filling every nook and cranny so to speak.  Some today rationalize away their friendship and associations as not belonging to the sacred aspect of life, but rather their secular aspect.  But they forget that we have been called to be an influence; to be salt and light in the secular world.  Believers get themselves into trouble when they try to marry the two; coming away usually having compromised and losing their influence and ability to impact their world for Christ.  Jehosaphat learned that lesson when he tried to enter into an association with Ahab.  It’s a lesson we would do well to heed.