The Right Stand

ROM 1:17 NIV

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

When I read the Bible- God's revealed truth- what do I see? When I open up the treasures, what do I take away from it? Do I just read for fun, enjoying the stories that make up the contents, or do I use the Spirit behind the contents as a guide and guard for my own life? 

One of the most fundamental lessons I have learnt over the years from reading the Bible is that intellect and education is not the major requirement for understanding its contents. You don't get a clearer picture of what God is saying by getting a doctorate degree in theology; you just need one major ingredient only: FAITH. Faith is the requirement for pleasing God, as established in Hebrews 11:6. It is the summary of the walk of all the men of God that we read about today, and it is still the only thing God rewards today as we also walk with him.

As today's extract shows, it is all about faith, from first to last, and nothing in between. You don't start with faith, and somewhere in the middle of the journey, think that works Will profit you. You don't start with faith in God  and think that when difficult situations come, you can consult the devil by the side and still think that you will end well. There are no substitutions for faith, and there is no where that works, self, personal achievements and all are criteria for winning God's approval.

One thing is clear. The walk with God is a walk of faith. The future may be uncertain and unsure, but the knowledge of the God who owns and holds the future is enough to quieten all storms and doubts. No matter what is happening now, there is an understanding that with God on your side, tomorrow will work out fine because you have a God who is busy working out all the details of your life. You know that no matter what the world's standards are today, because the world never has a definite and clear standard based on truth, the standards will give way eventually. But because you have based your life on something more stable and permanent- the word of God himself who is also the truth across all the ages, you are rest assured that come what may, his promises and his life are your experiences. Don't settle for less than his best. Don't give up before you walk in his perfect will. Then can you truly enjoy the life that he has purposed for you. His time of favour is here.