This week during Bible study the topic of discussion was growth. How we as Christians mature and grow in faith. There was, however, one question of the night that captured my attention more than the others; Why do many people believe that Christianity should offer a carefree life? I am reminded often of a time when an associate of mine and I attended an eight-week training course. As everyone was studying and rehearsing in preparation for the next day's test, his response was I don't need to study, God is going to give me the answers. It did not turn out well, as he was placed on academic probation. His actions did not diminish who God was, nor did it cost him his salvation, but it did taint his testimony, if only slightly. He meant well in theory for scripture tells us in Philippians 4:13; I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.; but in practicality he was very wrong. One’s salvation is neither magical nor mythical, but rather sealed in the battle of hard-fought faith.
Philippians 3:14
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
