A Framework of Faith

This “Framework of Faith” was introduced to me by Jewel who was taught by Pastor Chris. I thought I would try it as I read the Lord’s word today. I am astounded by the clarity and unity of Scripture. My QT was based on the 1st chapter of “The Fullness of Joy” by Charles Spurgeon. Here’s my attempt:

“Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints of the light” Col 1:12

• We are qualified (made suitable, fit, worthy) of the inheritance only because of our adoption as sons of God.
• We were formerly slaves to sin. As sons of God, we are also heirs who may be qualified for the inheritance of the saints of the light. Gal 4:7
• Not just saints… but saints of the light. Saints who dwell in the light. God is the Father of lights. Every good and perfect gift is from above and comes from the Father of light in whom there is no variation and no shadow of turning. James 1
• God has given us His divine power, and everything we need pertaining to life and godliness. 2 Pet 1
• Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory. Eph 3

I give thanks to God because He has qualified me to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints of the light. He qualifies me. He makes me suitable. Not of works, lest I should boast. Looking forward to tapping into His divine power to live life as it was meant to be lived, and godliness.

Where are the successful Christian business people of our time?

Who are the famous Christians of our generation? How do successful Christian businessmen and women live to serve God and bring glory to him through their lives? My guess is that we won’t hear much about them because many things that they do are quiet and seen only by God. 

Who are they? What do they do for a living? How do they juggle both career and service? I think that many people serve God at the sacrifice of work. That’s probably a better option than working and sacrificing God. Can both co-exist? Man cannot serve 2 masters. For he either loves the one and hates the other or hates the one and loves the other. If that is the case, then there won’t be successful Christian businesspeople in this world. 

All I’ve found so far are examples of dead businessmen Christians at the Australian Christian Lobby website. Nice examples… but they belong to a different generation.  

Faith and Work

I’m going through a very weird phase. Struggling with how to integrate work and God… currently, I think that both are mutually exclusive. I know that this thought is false and there are Christians who are strong in their faith and are able to find success at work. 

At work, I am rational, decisive, more head than heart, workaholic, have a drive to succeed, intense, task-oriented, sometimes snappy, network, I give 150%… basically and crudely, it’s like OCD-work. Meditating on the Bible seems to destabilize my routine. I become more conscious of the meditations I take from my QT, it distracts me 15% as I start out my day… but once the momentum starts, I totally put aside the thoughts that I am dwelling on… and because of this, I feel guilty… because I have shoved God out of my life. It’s like I’m de-OCD-ing… if that even makes sense. And it doesn’t feel good.

I’m not sure if I’m doing this the right way. Are my meditations on the Bible meant to be forefront in my thoughts the whole day? Which can’t be the case since I am 100% engaged in brand plans, strategies etc. I struggle with the place that faith should have in the workplace. I’m sure that the fruits of faith should be evident in both work and home life… love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control & faithfulness.  OK. Maybe this is what I’m struggling with – I feel as though I have to quench these fruits in order to succeed at work. 100% wrong. I’ll work on it. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works”