Christian Living

BIBLICAL AND CARNAL FAITH

by paul hoffmaster
11/12/17
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We all face situations that challenge our spiritual walk, and how we handle those situations defines the type of faith that we confess.  Biblical Faith is “Forsaking All I Trust Him.” Carnal Faith is “Forgetting All I Test Him.”  Biblical Faith sees every situation as an opportunity to grow, while Carnal Faith sees every challenge as a threat to spiritual life.  Biblical Faith sees the positive results of negative trials, while Carnal Faith sees only the negative.  Biblical Faith approaches the challenges with joy, while Carnal Faith loses the joy.  Biblical Faith sees beyond the obvious, while Carnal Faith looks at situations in life and defines them through human reasoning.  Biblical Faith sees life through the spirit, while Carnal Faith sees life through the mind. 

 The letter of James tells us to “count it all joy” when responding to the challenges of life.  It is to be a time of cheerfulness and calm delight.  The further one is involved in these challenges, the more the degree of joy increases, knowing that through these testings we are developing an even stronger faith.  As we engage the obstacles before us, we are developing steadfastness in our Christian walk.  To some Believers this is hard to accept.  How can one get excited when his faith is challenged?  James tells those who are finding this truth hard to grasp to ask God for wisdom.  Wisdom understands God’s intended purpose and how to appropriate its truth. (Reference James 1: 2-5) When you are seeking understanding it is not to enforce Carnal Faith, but to reinforce our Biblical Faith.  When we try to live with Carnal Faith, it will only bring more and more confusion.  When one takes a human approach to Biblical truth, there is a danger that feelings will be the measure of faith.  If that happens, a spiritual “Disneyland” will offer the Christian a steady life of roller coaster existence.  James tells us we will be like a “wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1: 6)  He also tells us a double minded person will be unstable in all his ways. (v.8)  The evidence of our faith is measured by our actions.  The type of faith we confess will determine the outcome of our trials and testing.

 During these tumultuous times, Biblical Faith must be promoted by our thoughts and actions.  Instead of trying to get a handle on why things are happening to you, start rejoicing in the fact that you will grow stronger through the challenges.  If we vacillate between Biblical Faith and Carnal Faith, which is being double minded, (v.8) we will never be consistent in our Christian walk.

 Are you ready for the next big challenge?  Are you ready to grow?  Are you ready to take the next big step?  COUNT IT ALL JOY the next time you face challenges.