Last week, my Tuesday morning small group completed our study of the book of Hebrews using my HeBrews: A Better Blend workbook. It was a wonderful eight weeks of study and fellowship, and I think we all were challenged in our faith walk. We will be taking a break from meeting together for the rest of the year, and hopefully, will start back in January. I’m seeking God’s heart in that.
Because I am always in the Word, I have decided that my study for the next 3 months will be in the book of Romans. I am moving through the book, verse by verse, scribing it in my Romans Journible, and making notes on the things that make an imprint on my heart.
I was only a few verses into the first chapter of Romans when verse 8 (ESV) reached out and smacked me:
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. (emphasis, mine)
Paul tells the Roman Christians that he thanks God for their faith that is being talked about in all over the world. In Paul’s day, the ‘world’ was a much smaller place than it is now. The known world consisted of what is now the Middle East, Italy, and a few other places north of the Middle East. Still, when I read that verse, the Holy Spirit immediately prodded my heart with this question:
Leah, is your faith being talked about in all the world? Is your faith making an impact for the cause of Christ?
Well, well, well! What a question! But, how about we ask a different question before we get to this ‘all the world’ question?
Is my faith being talked about in the places I live and work? Do those who circle around my life know that I am a Christ-follower? Do they see this faith that I claim to have making a difference in my words and my actions, or am I no different than the rest of the folks walking around my corner of the world?
What about my family? Because, if you are like me, your family sees the R-E-A-L you, and often, the real me is not very pretty. Family is where I can be most harsh and unforgiving, and Lord, help me, controlling. Do I consistently model Jesus for those I love most?
For me, one of the places I struggle to match up my walk and my talk is in my job as a pharmacist. I see huge, absurd abuses of the medical system, and I must be intentional in taking my thoughts captive so that I am not judgmental and condescending.
Is my faith making a difference in the world? Is your faith making a difference in the world? Let’s ask a few questions to see.
- How is your prayer life? Prayer is our greatest weapon against satan.
- How is your giving? Do you support missionaries, both local and international?
- How is compassion? When a situation touches your heart, do you get involved?
- How much time are you spending in the Scriptures, getting to know the Lord and His heart for our world?
- How often do you ask God to break your heart over your own sin, and that of the world?
Friend, Romans 1:8 has challenged me to do the things that strengthen and deepen my faith. I want so very much to step into heaven and hear Jesus say to me, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I want Him to commend me for my faith because it was the catalyst that encouraged others to know Him and believe in Him.
Is my faith showing? Is your faith showing?
