From the previous posting we know that sin is anything not of God, and that if we ask Him to do so, He will reveal our sins and take away our desire to commit them. What the true seeker of Truth will learn is that many of the activities professing Christians believe to be perfectly acceptable are in fact contrary to His will. Once we become aware of our sins we must walk away from them, which creates problems for the cleansed saint. It is a Biblical and experiential fact that those who give up such socially acceptable sins are viewed with contempt and derision by the world, especially the church world. And the world’s attitude toward them is well-founded–GOD’S PEOPLE ARE PECULIAR, STRANGE, DIFFERENT AND OUTSIDE THE RELIGIOUS AND SECULAR MAINSTREAMS (Deut. 14:12/Titus 2:14/1 Pet. 2:9). Like round pegs in square holes, God’s saints simply do not conform to the world’s definition of “acceptable.” What is important to “normal” people is not important to God’s people. Such sought-after things as fame, fortune, social standing, acceptance, recognition, material possessions, etc. are rejected by those whose minds are focused on the Lord. Such people comprise His church–His “little flock” (Lk. 12:32). These are the “few” who “find” His strait gate and walk His narrow way leading to eternal life (Mat. 7:13,14). Now let us study an aspect of the Christian walk that people tend to resist–God’s testing of the believer’s faith.

In James 1:3,4 God explains that He allows our faith to be tested in order to create patience which renders us complete, having everything needed for our Christian walk. The question God answers through our trials and tribulations is: Will we trust and obey Him regardless of the circumstance? Our reaction to our trials reveals our true nature which is based on our faith in Him and His Word. Not only does He expect us to “weather the storm,” we are to be thankful for the storm (Jam. 1:2/1 Pet. 4:12,13). In 1 Peter 1:7 He tells us that the testing of our faith is precious to Him (provided we pass the test). This is especially true when the test involves persecution that, without exception, will come from those closest to us. Jesus warned that this would happen, stating that He came to set people against each other–believers versus unbelievers–even within the family (Mat. 10:32-39). See Persecution.

The Lord demands that we maintain an attitude of “joy” throughout the test, which can be quite lengthy. He expects our faith not to waver until help arrives. In doing so we perfect our faith which causes it to grow. As a muscle grows and becomes stronger as the weight being lifted is increased, our faith will continue to grow as we endure ever greater tests and trials. Those who come through life’s trials and tests with their faith intact God calls “believers.” Revelation 21:8 tells us that unbelievers will not enter the Kingdom of God. This includes unbelievers within professing Christendom.

During life’s tests, which can be severe (remember Abraham), there is a light at the end of the tunnel for those who pass them. Psalm 34:19 God promises to deliver us from our trials, and His promises cannot be broken (Jn. 10:35/Titus 1:2). But in order to be delivered from the test we must patiently endure it with joy, gratitude and faith. To be continued. L.J.