“…whatever is not from faith is sin.”
Romans 14:23
What is faith? Faith is of man’s heart, which is the communication point of the Holy Spirit. When people work hard with all their strength, mind and power, they think that they do the work from their heart. It is very easy for people to claim something to be from their heart. “…the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts…” (1 Chronicles 28:9) The Lord says that it is not by power nor might but by the Spirit of God. (Zechariah 4:6)
We never came into this world because of our desire but it is the design of God for us to come into existence. Therefore, everything that follows should be by the design and will of God. Man has been created for the glory of God. (Isaiah 43:7) This means, the inspiration from God must give birth to every stage of life. Once the inspiration is given to us, it is in our interest to accept it, and be convinced in our heart. Once we are convinced, we act on it for the glory of God, for the purpose God has created us. In each step we take, in each decision we take in this life, let us be able to say, “This is from my heart, for the glory of God.”
Do you know that you are a masterpiece of Jesus’ gold, made for the glory of God? If gold must be gold, it has to pass through the furnace. What takes gold to be gold is what takes us to be a masterpiece of Jesus’ gold – that is a test of faith. Our tests can be trials of life or temptation. At the point of conviction, the heart must know if what’s been done is from faith or not. Now the question is: In the hour of temptation, will your faith be there to commend your work or to condemn it? Don’t forget, whatever a man says can either release or negate what he believes in his heart. In reference to God’s standard, overcoming this test will qualify you as a masterpiece of Jesus’ gold.
“…Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.” (Romans 14:5)
