Prove It!

Most everyone has heard of a patent, or at least seen the term, patent (Pat.) pending, on the back of something. This is a legal vehicle by which we can protect a product from being duplicated by someone else. There are hundreds of thousands of patents, applied for and granted, each year. But, did you know that a patent is not really a patent, until it is upheld in court? That is correct, until one can “prove” that the patent has been infringed on, it is just a piece of paper – and often a very expensive one at that.

Our faith is the same way, and unless you “prove” it, how does anyone (including yourself), know that you have it? Most people do claim to have some faith, and we all too often, compare actions with levels or quantity of a person’s faith, as to their ability to do something. Jesus told us that quantity does not matter, and that as long as you have some, (even a tiny mustard seed size piece-Matt. 17:20), you have enough.

Proving one’s faith happens everyday and in a multitude of ways. God provides us opportunities to show we are faithful all the time. Problem is, Satan wants us to be tempted to sin at the same moment. I am not just talking about right and wrong choices, but the “feel” good ones. Sin is not just a black or white choice; sin is often a feeling choice – what is going to feel better. This is a pride thing, about what we believe is best for us – like God doesn’t know, and the bow that wraps the box that sin comes in, is pleasure – what feels best.

On the other hand, God cannot tempt us to sin. God does not challenge us to make mistakes. He provides opportunities to “prove” our faith. God wants us to respond faithfully, and when we do, is not for God…it is for US. We benefit by first realizing we have the faith to do the right thing, regardless of how it might feel, and secondly, to prove to others watching, we have it as well.

Every trial, temptation, problem, or crisis is another opportunity to show off our faith. I guess it really comes down to how you feel about it: you will either respond how you do because of your feelings, or in spite of them.

…just prayin’

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat