“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good… All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” (1 Corinthians 12:7,11)
The disciples of Yeshua were very different, even those that knew each other before knowing Him. Peter responded to the Lord as He walked on the water, saying, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” It is quite possible that one or more of the other disciples had reservations, particularly, after Peter began to sink and cried out, “Lord, save me.” (Matthew 14:28-31) Faith is not fungible like money, it is not identical and mutually interchangeable. The faith I have or which is given to me is for standing and acting upon. It is true for you as well, though it may be very different. Therefore, we cannot judge our respective faith by someone else’s. I can imagine all sorts of analysis and comparison’s in Peter’s venture. Some may think he was weak because he doubted when seeing the waves. I think it took great faith to believe he could join the Lord on the water. I also imagine others questioning, “What were you thinking?”
In a much less dramatic situation, my wife and I keep bees. I have faith that the Lord will bless our flocks and herds according to His promises in scripture. (Deut. 28:4) My wife believes it is up to us to take various measures to ensure the bees thrive. I’m not against doing whatever we know to do as responsible beekeepers, but the promises of God go beyond us and our ability. Beekeeping is nothing like walking on water, but it is quite unpredictable. We are to walk in the faith we have, not comparing ourselves to others or judging them.
What purposes would God have in faith that brought division? Where would we be if we relied upon ourselves rather than God, walking by sight, rather than faith? (2 Cor. 5:7) In God’s family there is peace and harmony where is favor rests. Yet, faith is not subject to human rationalization any more than love or hope. Nevertheless, we can test all things by the Word of God. I cannot say, “God is leading me to be unfaithful to my wife.” Moreover, faith in the Gospel and Yeshua as Lord and the Triune God of the Bible is immutable. (Rom. 3:22; Acts 4:12) Scripture teaches that each one is to move in the faith which the Spirit gives. Where is your faith leading?
Discover more from The Conservative Christian Apologist
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
