“In spiritual adulthood, we have to remember that our foundation is Christ, and we only build what lasts with faith, hope, and love. All else is consumed by fire (see 1 Cor. 3:14-15), which is why the Christian life is one of being purified by God as we draw near to him.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe
“If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.”- 1 Corinthians 3:14-15 (ESV)
Kyle Strobel and John Coe continue Chapter 4 of When God Seems Distant as they observe that something that seemed impossible in our youth we come to know through experience in adulthood. We find ourselves at our most rebellious in our devotion. Most significantly, we see this happen throughout Scripture.
For example, whatever God gives His people exposes them to this truth. They want to use these gifts in the flesh. Rather than with God and for God. Hence, Kyle and John state, we see this with God’s gift of manna. God tells Moses He will rain bread from heaven. But the people must gather a day’s portion — every day. Because God wants to test the ability of the people to walk in His law — or not.
Therefore, Kyle and John counsel:
“Desolation is a season to awaken these things so that one will cling to Christ more and more fully, discovering his love and forgiveness go deeper that we imagine. . . . Perhaps more than anything else, desolation reveals how much we are trying to live by our senses rather than by faith. Desolation reveals our subconscious belief that what God really wants for us is to act like a good Christian should.”
Today’s question: What most helps you to keep Christ as your foundation in your spiritual adulthood? Please share.
Coming Monday: the June Short Meditation, “The music of the spheres”
Tomorrow’s blog: “A roadmap of our life with Jesus?”