June/98
Our son is at the age where he is considering which career the Lord might be calling him to. The Scripture is God’s general will for the church, yet what specifically is God’s will for his life. There are careers today that are neither supported by nor violate scriptural principles. For the Scripture is the foundation on which all decisions should be made. It would be nice to tell disciples to listen for God’s voice calling them as God verbally called Samuel, but this is usually not the case. We need to teach them how they can fine-tune into God’s will specifically for them, not just careers but in all the decisions they face in their daily walk. The Bible teaches us:
For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." Ro.1:17
Some interpret this verse as saying "the righteous receive life by faith." However the verse states that we will live by faith, walking in the confidence of His leading. . It is written:
"... everything that does not come from faith is sin." Ro.14:23
No matter what anyone wants to accomplish for God, unless they have faith that this is what God is calling them to, it is sin. God’s purpose for all our lives will always come with faith:
"... rather than God's work--which is by faith." 1Ti.1:4
Since Christ is the perfecter of our faith, faith is the check and balance to the scripture by which God directs His specific will for our lives as individuals. We must not go beyond faith, rather we must keep in step with faith:
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith." Ro.12:6
Without the surety of faith, even becoming a pastor or missionary is sin. If God desires anyone to act, in any decision, He will grant them the faith to step out. In this way God uses faith as the means to direct our paths:
"... that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith." 2Th.1:11; 1Th.1:3
Therefore let us teach Christians not just to receive life by faith, but to live by faith.