So many of us have lived in circular patterns for far longer than we thought possible and had ever hoped. No matter how we try, we make only marginal improvements with no true break from a life less desired. We can see and feel the life we believe God has for us but it always seems to be right out of our reach.
But in spite of a life seemingly stuck in cycles we still believe in our God. We work to confess what we believe He has done or will manifest in our lives. We sow offerings looking for 30, 60, 100 fold returns. All the while, we ask, God what must we do to move forward in life? Whether it is our career, finances, health or relationships, the answer is the same. To our steadfast faith we must add works. We quote this scripture so frequently but do we truly understand its meaning in the context of the various areas of lives?
Each man is given a set of abilities by God at our birth. These abilities evidenced through our likes and passions are nurtured through our life experiences, both chosen and unchosen. God places a yearning within us to use those abilities at the appointed times. We seek to pursue our purposes through them but the current circumstances seem to distract and hinder our efforts. We employ strategies we think should work but they turn out worse than the average, unsaved person's efforts. Our disappointment causes us to wonder why those that don't know God "succeed" in business and relationships, when we, the chosen, struggle to meet basic needs.
The matter is works. The scripture clearly states that faith without works is dead, James 2:14-26.
So no matter how much we believe, confess, praise, worship or give it will all come to nothing if we don't put works with it. You see, the unsaved who see great success exercise and move in some key factors in order to achieve that success. We, as Christians, must also "work" those factors to succeed and God will grant favor on top of them so that we have great success and God gets the glory. However, instead of working the following factors, many of us employ our time complaining about our jobs, criticizing our peers, keeping ourselves socially separated so we won't be "contaminated" by the sinners on our jobs and doing just enough to get by. In relationships we want the best yet we won't do all God commands to make ourselves the best we can be. We want perfect health but we won't change our diets or exercise. Instead we spend time in excuses. No matter what area of your life you are seeking to manifest a God-ordained change in there are some key factors of work that will be required to move you out of circular cycles and get you to your goals in faith.
The first is faithfulness and loyalty. Do your job with a mindset to make your bosses job easier and the company better. Arrive a little early, don't be the first to run out the door at the end of the day. Offer help to others. Be a team player and try to get along with your co-workers even if they have a different way of living. Isn't this what Jesus did when he spent time with those the religious leaders would not? In relationships, show friendliness, smile more often than you do now, be more understanding, listen more, forgive more, trust more, seek to be helpful. Personally, gain more knowledge in the areas God is leading you into, take better care of yourself as you are the temple of God, invest in the Kingdom, invest in your destiny, invest in your family. Be faithful to those you serve, yourself and to God.
Secondly, be patient. Set your expectation on what God has said not on your timeline. Too many of us try something and when it doesn't seem to work right away, we shift and try something else. We keep trying different things and before we know it ten years have gone by and we are in the same place trying to get something started. The process may take longer or shorter than what others may experience. But wait for the promise to manifest on the path the Lord has laid before you.
Thirdly, persevere. In addition to being patient, keep planting or sowing, watering and tending to the abilities God has given you to employ in the earth. God will eventually manifest the increase. But if you plant and sit back to wait without doing the watering and weeding, your seed could die without ever sprouting from the soil.
Finally, move in perspicacity. Add to your faith more knowledge of the Word, walk in a deeper relationship in the Spirit so you can add to your worldly knowledge God's wisdom and insight. With Godly insight you will exceed expectations of man and come into all the great promises you've been hoping to receive.
It is God's good pleasure to give us the Kingdom and He is a God that will multiply blessings to us. But if we don't work, God has nothing to multiply. Any number times zero is still zero. Therein Faith without works is dead. But when we do our part and have faith, God increases favor and expands us beyond man's expectations.
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