Trust enhancing measures

What does it mean to glory in the Lord? And above all: what does it not mean? In the context of this scripture, Paul tells us the following things to glory in: Hope in the coming glory, tribulations, God in Jesus Christ. And it is found that faith comes from God and also returns to God, and hope is strengthened by circumstances and experiences, and it must be so. To be called includes: tribulation, patience, testing and hope. Why will hope not leave us ashamed? Because our lives are directed to us making our own experiences, getting to know ourselves, not depending upon ourselves throughout diverse problems and difficulties, learning to deal with afflictions, temptations and evil lust. We have no reason to glory in merely being children of God, but have only become children of God through the grace of God. Thus, we do not glory with regard to the condition, but with regard to the result. Even as Christians we sin and don't always deal with afflictions and temptations correctly. We are negligent towards each other, do not flee, do not engage in battle. The devil wants to play with us, to manipulate and discuss with us. Especially when we make mistakes. We should never allow this. To focus on the cross is not a human endeavour, but the work of the Holy Spirit. Satan wants us to focus on ourselves and our sin, and God wants us to focus on Jesus Christ upon the cross. So why do we rejoice in afflictions? Because they are a constant exercise on focussing on the cross. Therein lies the source of eternal life. It is paid in full! Thereby we obtain patience, peace and hope. Least, but not last, we also need patience with ourselves.

Maybe we have misconceptions concerning our lives as Christians? Possibly, we think that the longer we are Christians, the less sinful and the more wise we become? The majority experience quite the opposite, the longer they are Christians, the more they recognize their own depravity and inability to ever satisfy God. Sin is powerful – Jesus Christ overcome sin for us and cast it into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19). What we need is unembellished self-acknowledgement – even if it is bitter and unsatisfying. In James 1:2-4 we read: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Faith needs testing – not to prove something to God, but to ourselves. We don't learn much through theory – faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Hope is something wonderful – mainly because the Giver of Hope is the Almighty God in Jesus Christ. We do not have to despair over our sins any more. We may rejoice in grace. This eternal forgiveness and acceptance by God changes us, makes us vessels of grace, who want to serve God, even when we make mistakes and give ourselves the glory – God is always greater than our failures. Grace is stronger than sin. This spiritual fact will effect a very practical change in us over time. It will make us into believing, battle-ready and wise people, who don't play with sin, but avoid it and thereby experience peace. In this manner life becomes better in every way.

Jörg Bauer