Are You in the Faith?

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?” 2 Cor. 13:5

Are you really living “in the faith?” Have you honestly asked yourself this question lately? I did recently and felt convicted that I was trusting my personal comfort more than Christ. This stung my pride a bit. But it got me thinking. How does personal comfort take away from my devotion to Christ?

Seeking personal comfort is not wrong – we all need to eat, sleep and work in an adequate environment. It is when we seek these things above our relationship with Christ that it causes trouble. If I am eating ice cream to make myself feel better, rather than seeking Him for help with my problem, I am having faith in food. If I worry about my lack of sleep, I am trusting in a good night’s sleep, more than in Christ, who is more powerful than sleep. If my workload suddenly increases and I get angry and snappy, I’m putting faith in things going my way instead of believing in Christ to guide and sustain me.

Developing an intimate and secure relationship with Christ takes conscious effort. We often forget, or maybe haven’t learned, the overwhelming satisfaction that comes from trusting Christ. We set aside the only wise One who can give us guidance and peace and rely upon temporal things that do not ultimately satisfy. This dishonors Christ, who tells us that apart from Him we can do nothing. We were joyously created to depend upon Him.

What about you? I suggest you take a few minutes right now to examine your heart. Ask Him if you are trusting in Him or something else. Repent of anything He shows you. Keep moving forward in Christ by investing in Him through Bible reading, two way prayer, worship and fellowship. Remind yourself that Christ is in you and trust Him for your every need.