Shaky Faith Built In The Wrong Place
March 3, 2018
I realized a problem many people, including myself, have when it comes to faith. They tie their faith to life experiences.
- I have money in the bank, my faith is solid. I have am short of money, my faith is shaky.
- I have a good marriage, my faith is solid. I have a bad marriage, my faith is shaky.
- I am not lonely, my faith is solid. I am lonely, my faith is shaky.
- I feel God’s presence, my faith is solid. I don’t feel God’s presence, my faith is shaky.
- I am happy, my faith is solid. I am sad, my faith is shaky.
- I am healthy, my faith is solid. I am sick, my faith is shaky.
And there’s the problem — faith should be in Christ and all of the promises in His word. That’s it, that’s all. Faith should never be tied to our experiences or emotions. Our experiences and emotions will be up and down. Christ is a solid rock.
Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash (Matthew 7:24-27).
The subject of this post also brings to mind one of the most misused verses in scripture: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). A lot of people tie this verse into themselves and turn it into something that is all about them.
- I can make it in the NFL because I can do all things in Christ.
- I can overcome this problem because I can do all things in Christ.
- I can get this dream job because I can do all things in Christ.
- I can marry this person because I can do all things in Christ.
You get the picture, but let’s back up and see if that is what Paul is really saying: Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:11-13).
Paul is not using Christ as wish fulfillment. Paul is saying that he is not basing his faith on life, emotions or experiences. It does not matter if he is abased. It does not matter if he abounds. It does not matter if he is full. It does not matter if he is hungry or in need. His faith is based on Christ, and Christ alone, who does not change. Hence his faith does not change.
Tie your faith to the immovable object today and even out life’s ups and downs…
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