A Relationship With Faith
The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin. Romans 14:22-23 (NASB) The faith which I have, I have as my own conviction before God. I am happy when I don't condemn myself in what I approve. How are convictions established before God? What brings condemnation? If doubt condemns me, it is because my action no longer proceeds from faith. What causes actions to separate from faith? The statement, 'whatever is not from faith is sin,' is both broad and narrow. It takes everything and condenses it to one thing - faith. Faith includes personal convictions before God. It is in His presence that the certainty of His word is established within my heart. With an awareness of His indwelling presence, the sound and tone of His word is individualized and takes on the formation of personal convictions. Faith takes shape as He becomes my guide and compass. Permission is granted or denied as I learn the sound of His speaking voice within the pages of His written word. I fall in love with the word, not as a book, but as a Person. Convictions are established in fellowship with Him as He reveals the character of His word. Living happily (without condemnation) and confidently (in my own convictions) rests in relationship with God. His presence reveals His word in such a way that my trust capacity is expanded. Belief turns to conviction and conviction turns to unshakeable faith. I learn to walk in the light that I have attained, without lagging behind or walking ahead. My conscience becomes His candle and He uses it to illuminate my path. The permissions and restrictions of others begin to have less effect on me. I live by the standard to which I have attained and allow others that same freedom. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Philippians 3:15-16 (NASB) If I walk outside of my own convictions then I undergo doubt. If I take an action without full persuasion or permission, then I will experience a backlash of condemnation. Not because the action was right or wrong, but because it did not proceed from faith. Relationship with God is a relationship with faith; faith increases as I distinguish His discernible voice in me. Faith brings freedom of movement; my gait glides along expansively as faith shines light further down my pathway. As faith expands, I find that all things are lawful, and yet they may not promote my best interest or the best interest of others. Loving others is more important than exercising personal liberties. Therefore, I learn the…