DOES IT ALWAYS WORK THAT WAY FOR EVERYONE?

 Sometimes stories about people who become Christians and then their lives completely changed for the better in big flashy ways can be discouraging to Christians who did not have that complete over the top change. It makes Christians who did not have a big miraculous change wonder if they really are saved. Secondly, they could wonder what they are doing wrong when they struggle with sin and the other Christians don't seem to struggle at all with sin.

Let's first address the big parade of miraculous change stories. No doubt big changes happen with people who convert to Jesus Christ. But realize it does not happen with everyone. I would say it is the exception to the rule. The key here is that some people open themselves up to Jesus with a stronger drive of commitment than others. I would also say that in some cases God wants to use their big change to draw others to regeneration through the Holy Spirit. Their big change witness brings hope for others and gives God the glory.

Now, what about the Christians who come to Jesus without any parade and fireworks but with a quiet commitment of faith? Their salvation is just as secure as our big story Christian brothers and sisters. Their faith is just as real but just not with the spotlight on them. But here is the most important part that I want you to understand. They are growing and changing too but at a slower rate but a positive change nonetheless, amen! 

Finally, I want to talk about the Christians who seem to struggle with sin and feel little to no change in their lives. They have received the gift of faith but are spending more time-fighting sin than growing in the faith. Maybe they are not even trying to fight the sin in their lives? Let me assure you that their gift of faith is secured. But their rewards in Heaven (whatever rewards might mean) might be less. Is their resolve to live the faith not as strong as others? Are they to learn things that the stronger faith believers already have learned? It could be that they have not been mentored as they should have been? Maybe they just do not have the discipline to take the time to read the Holy Bible in depth and prayer with fervor to the Lord? Only the Good Lord knows.

1 Corinthians 3:11-16 NRSVue

11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ. 

12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw

13 the work of each builder will become visible, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. 

14 If the work that someone has built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a wage. 

15 If the work is burned up, the builder will suffer loss; the builder will be saved, but only as through fire.

16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

Whatever place on the spectrum of faith a person is on there is one thing for sure... our faith can always grow if we are willing to put in the work of faith. Now understand I am not saying work for your salvation but work to grow your faith in Jesus Christ. See you on the other side!