2022_12_28 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Philippians 1 & 4
You and I hear people talk about believing in God and Jesus, especially this time of year. Christmas decorations, carols, and warm memories can spark emotion, but this is not real faith. Real faith in Christ has a different look and feel, as we see in Paul’s teaching this last week of 2022.
“Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:12–13 (NLT)
Faith in God will impact our feelings and emotions for sure, but these are an inaccurate measure of real faith. Real, substantive faith in God is demonstrated in our adopting His will and desires as our own. When we decide to surrender to God and humbly follow, we will discover that His Holy Spirit will help us give up our stubborn commitment to our own desires and learn to follow God’s out of a sense of gratitude. The words “reverence and fear” are important. These words resonate with anyone who has recognized how unworthy they are to have been accepted and cared for by another. Rather than fear of being abandoned or rejected, it is the fear of disappointing or hurting someone whom you love and that loves you.
Feelings come and go, but faith grows and develops into something solid and lasting. As I write this, I am praying that we will all re-dedicate ourselves to “work hard to show our Father that we love Him” and show a watching world the surpassing value of a life surrendered and devoted to our Savior and Leader.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor