The best way to shipwreck your faith is by worshipping the side benefits of God.
As Christians we have great promises and treasures endowed to us by God the Father. We are eligible to receive these custom-made gifts through Jesus Christ. We just have to ask. They are the side benefits automatically applied to us when we receive Christ.
But do we sometimes place the cart before the horse? Do we place the gifts before the Giver?
Getting carried away with the gifts, is a slippery slope to a confusing walk with the Lord. You might be careful to never place overt sins before him, but are you careful to not get caught up in the realm of healing, prophesying, tongues and affirmations? They can shipwreck your faith. It takes spiritual maturity to maintain the rightful place in these side benefits. Worse yet, some baby Christians begin their journey with the Lord focused primarily on these gifts.
This generation, sadly, is the most Bible illiterate. Technology has made it possible, where hearing the Word of God on television or on our computer is in abundance. I have to admit, that I sometimes default to a sermon by T.D. Jakes or Joyce Meyers, instead of delving into the scriptures myself. Hearing the Word of God is good, but it shouldn’t take the place of our time with him. If we were honest with ourselves, we might need “a word,” from a sermon because of something we’re going through. Our aim is to get relief from what ails us, and not to spend time with our Father.
Jesus mourned and had great compassion for us while here on earth. He tried to alleviate pain and suffering caused by a fallen world. He performs miracles for us under his Father’s sovereignty for us here on earth. But never by anything we do. It is all of grace.
We have a long race ahead of us. Fall back in love with the Giver of the gifts. So when the winds blow (and they will), you will be rooted firmly in the ground. Then you will be like a tree planted by the waters; you will lie down in green pastures. Your faith will not shipwreck, but will stay afloat on the still waters. It’s an ideal way to live. He will call you to be a part of his divine purposes if you do, because you love him more than the side benefits.
“My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand … all other ground is sinking sand.”