Looking Inward & Outward (with the goggle of Faith) – Part 74

Dearly Beloved,

The following is another attempt to use the goggle of Faith to weigh various inspired thoughts, on another blessed day.

1.   A time should come, when the thoughts of a believer towards others, while unaware, can be safely projected on a billboard – like those of our Lord Jesus and of His apostles could have. This would be the case with anyone whose soul would have been redeemed from the earth and from among men (Rev. 14:3-4). This would be true with the Church as she emerges in her glory, even those who would: naturally seek things that are in the interest of others; prefer others in honour and also esteem others as better than themselves (Eph. 5:27, Phil. 2:3/19-20, Rom. 12:10).

2.   The Faith still being offered by heaven to the elect; even the Faith of God’s elect which is after godliness, has its dividends both in time and eternity (Tit. 1:1, 1Tim. 4:8). By it, we would not only press until we make our calling and election sure, we would also unlock a supernatural economy of grace; because relating with this present life like gentiles do, even like unbelievers or carnal believers, has never been an option (Matt. 6:31-34). It is God’s power that wants to enable us address our indebtedness of love to the Church, to our nation, to our generation and to others. If so, we all need to repent of our attitude to this precious faith.

3.   We always feel limited or insecure in seasons/occasions where we find ourselves in an unfavourable environment or in arrangements that seem to fall short of being ideal in our own eyes; or that seems unconducive. But like Joseph, those are one of the best occasions where the Lord can wean us from our ways, teach us His ways and train us to diligently keep His commandments. We would also prosper in virtues like patience and temperance, and have tangible experiences of God’s goodness and mercy like we never had.

4.    One of the goals of the word of righteousness is to equip us with judgments that would enable us see/discern the state of our souls per time – like we previously didn’t. It communicates the voice of the Son on matters that can bring us to perfection; even a working knowledge of the thoughts and ways of Christ and God that would help us make the best use of every temptation (Heb. 5:14b, Jam. 1:12).

5.    There are some natural/spiritual blessings, graces or increases that a believer can’t partake of, if s/he hasn’t been persecuted by men or been despitefully used by others; especially by those who aren’t ready to change or grow up spiritually, yet, whom we have to keep loving (Matt. 5:10-12). These are great avenues where the Lord can rid us of some infirmities of our soul, as He teaches/trains us to be warm towards those whom our human frame finds really difficult to love (Ps. 103:1-3). It’s really not about them – but about us! So the earlier we take our eyes off such men, the earlier we would grow/profit from such opportune trials (1Pet. 1:7).

6.  Anxiety is always born when we bear burdens that are meant to be laid at the Lord’s feet, or try to mentally figure out things rather than employ the sense of faith, or when we seek answers to questions that the enemy has subtly suggested (Gen. 3:1-7, 1Pet. 5:7, Heb. 11:8)

7. Nothing can douse even the tendency of the soul of man to become insecure, anxious, ambitious or lustful, but the promise of inheriting God’s life. So nothing heals the diseases (infirmities) of man’s soul, like understanding eternal life (Ps. 103:1-3, 3Jn. 1:2). Our soul has been blessed with a capacity that can take much more than the whole world – or than heaven and earth; so nothing else can satisfy it but God’s life/dominion (Mk. 8:36, Jn. 10:10e-f).

8.    One key reason why a believer – at some seasons of his life – would struggle to deny ungodliness, shun youthful lusts and live soberly/righteously in this present world is because he either hasn’t been weaned from his former sustenance or he is low on the vitality and vitamins present in the faith revealed in Christ (Tit. 2:11-12, Isa. 28:9). Without this, we can’t really channel the resources of our souls into that which would make us sound in the doctrine of Christ, neither can we be built to a place where our accumulation of Christ’s life would enable us to truly commence the business of looking for God or for eternal salvation (Tit. 2:12-13, Heb. 9:27/5:9).

Blessings!

Tayo Fasan

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