Clarity?

It's been a little strange here lately. Our church had to make a major decision and was completely divided on an issue. It was hard to deal with because, in my mind, the decision tested our faith in God, and our willingness to trust that He is truly in control, no matter what the world says. Not only is my church family split on this issue, a member of my own family feels differently than I do.

All this leaves me wondering how big my faith is. How big is my God? Am I willing to truly trust Him with EVERYTHING? Do I truly believe that EVERYTHING in the Bible is 100% true, and valid, even for application in my life today?

I know that faith is one of my spiritual gifts. So maybe it's a little easier for me to trust that God is going to be true to His word. I truly TRULY believe that God's Word is valid. Without exception. No exception for the murderer. No exception for the rapist. No exception for the child abuser. No exception for the liar. No exception for the gossiper. No exception for me. Every bit of it that was true for them then, is true for us now. It concerns me that there are others who may feel differently.

I believe that we are called to be a "different sort" of people. We are called to do what the world says not to. To forgive when it seems completely unforgivable. To trust God when it seems logical to trust/rely on ourselves. To do what no one else would.

In "How Now Shall We Live", Dr. Charles Colson reminds us we are to fulfill the great commission and the "common commission-the call to create a culture under the lordship of Christ. God cares not only about redeeming souls but also about restoring His creation. He calls us to be agents not only of his saving grace but also of his common grace. Our job is not only to build up the church but also to build a society to the glory of God."

How is the world supposed to learn anything from Christians, "the light of the world, and salt of the earth" (Matt 5:13-14), when we cannot even live as people of the light within our own churches?  

Isaiah 55 reminds us to 7 Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. 8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.


"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I believe this with my whole heart. I will continue to believe this, and live my life this way. I will not always do it perfectly. I will screw up. But I will hold to the saving knowledge of Christ, and know that He will correct my stupidity, and forgive my human nature, leading me forward towards righteousness. Right now, I'm praying for clarity and peace. Not only for myself, but for some of the people that I love dearly. There is much to learn, and much room for growth in my heart and in my life.

And I know my God is faithful to get me where He wants me. Amen.