October 28

Beyond Childish Things

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  ––Romans 8:14 

Men are made to risk. Our job is to encourage each other to be aggressive risk takers for God, and above all to get each other to act on what we know God is calling us to do. “What is it?” you ask.  Here’s a clue: whatever makes you swallow big. My friend Lee Strobel puts it this way: 

When we take a risk, we’re stretching beyond what we think are our limits in order to reach for a goal.  Inevitably, that involves overcoming some sort of fear — fear of the unknown, of physical harm, of failure, of humiliation, even of success. And it involves adventure.

There are two ways to go in your life of faith: smooth, residential, safe, and boring: or off-road, twisting, risky, and exciting. Which road would the little boy in you take? Your energy and willingness to invest it for Christ is not slipping God’s watchful eye. He’s hoping you’ll cross the line in those areas of your life that will most stretch you to be His man––right now. 

The question for you is this: Can God be trusted? That really is what the “faith step” is all about—especially after we gain our “Fire Insurance” (eternal salvation by accepting Jesus as our Savior) and start to grapple with this word “disciple.” A disciple has the faith (i.e., passion, excitement) of a child, but has put away childish things. Paul tells us:

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.  ––1 Corinthians 13:11-13

Paul is talking about the natural progression of a man’s life: childhood, a decision for faith, and adulthood in the Spirit. As he says, at the moment we see only a reflection—a hint—of what is to come. The key to trusting God is above: Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. Man of God, we don’t fully know yet what eternity looks like, but our Father does and He already fully knows us. This is the word “know” as in, He sees us, loves us, is on our side.

 
That’s faith-building truth, right?! To be fully known—right now—by the God of heaven?

The thing to remember is God is working in you and your drive will be determined by the faith that you have in Him. Faith is like a muscle and as it grows with exercise, your risk decisions will be made regarding the amount of the exercise you give your faith. Attempt something of risk according to your faith and then keep growing in the safety of God and the trust He affords.

What will you risk, or attempt for your faith today? 

Father, thank You for the faith You have given me to attempt something of risk for You. You have promised that You will lead me into all truth.