Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test? (2 Corinthians 13:5, NASB)
For the past nine Mondays, we have spent time looking at those who would call themselves “Christians.” A golfer, we know, plays golf. But what identifies a Christian?
Along the way, we have recognized that a certain maturation process occurs in those who believe Jesus to be the Savior of all mankind. Why? Because as we fall more deeply in love with who Jesus is and more appreciative for what he has done for us, we desire to serve him with increasing integrity and excellence.
With this same focus in mind, Links Players president Jeffrey Cranford has begun the season with our largest Links Fellowship, the Red Door Community, by looking intently at today’s passage, from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians (you may listen to those messages here). This passage begs an important question, which is how we may actually test our faith to see if it is God-honoring and true.
In his outline for this series of lessons, Jeffrey offers a list, and we want to share it with you today, for it may be the impetus for your personal focus as we soon move into a new year.
How we know we’re really in the faith:
1. There is an increasing focus on “God stuff.” (Romans 8)
2. There is an increasing desire to be led. (Romans 8:14)
3. You are starting to be more aware of the darkness in your own life. (Romans 7:21)
4. Even though your awareness of sin might increase, through the Holy Spirit’s gentle hand of correction, you are actually growing in your confident knowledge of God and his love for you. He is your Dad! (Romans 8:15,16)
5. You are starting to “get it.” The world of the unseen kingdom is becoming really attractive. It is starting to take over your thoughts. (1 Corinthians 2:14)
6. Out of nowhere, you are starting to take note of other’s lives. You are starting to want to lay down your goals and agenda and help others. You are finally really loving others! (1 John 4:7)
7. You can’t wait to learn the ways of the kingdom, so your life can take on eternal significance. Plus, you are just tired of your old junk! (1 Peter 2:1-3)
8. You simply find yourself wanting to talk to God—a lot! (Hebrews 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
9. You are becoming thankful, where before you found yourself complaining about your plight in the world. (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
10. You can’t wait for “the other side.” (Philippians 1:21-24)
11. Circumstances don’t dictate your life anymore. (Philippians 4:12)
With this list and these Scriptures to guide you, we hope that 2014 truly offers a year of amazing understanding and growth in your relationship with Jesus, our King.
—
Jeff Hopper
December 23, 2013
Copyright 2013 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.