Faith Assessment

Let's explore the concept of faith assessment. Christian faith involves depending on Jesus and trusting in God's word. My eternal destination hinges on my commitment to Christ's divinity (John 14:6). It is imperative that I dedicate myself wholly to the Lord.

Fear often serves as a barrier to fully experiencing the power of faith. This single-syllable word can hinder my relationship with Christ. When fear arises, it reveals a deficiency in my faith in God.

Pride can give rise to fear; when my pride feels threatened, fear emerges, often manifesting as anger. For instance, when my ex-wife criticized my job loss, I felt the sting of failure and responded with resentment. Such reactions are not rooted in Christian trust; they reflect sinful behavior in opposition to God.

As previously mentioned, self-centered fears obstruct the light of Jesus and allow sin's darkness to flourish. Despair offers no spiritual benefit, robbing my soul of hope.

Excessive worry indicates a self-focused life rather than one centered on Jesus. It overwhelms the mind with anxiety, negatively impacting my heart and stifling my faith. Christ addressed the futility of worry in Matthew 6:25–34.

Doubt signifies a lack of trust in God's omnipotence, leading to skepticism and leaving me unprotected from the devil's schemes (Ephesians 6:11–17).

Building a Robust Faith

Conversely, assessing faith involves enhancing it. One of the most effective blueprints for cultivating trust in Christ is found in the teachings of Disciple Peter.

Peter outlines:

"For this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love."

(2 Peter 1:5–7 NASB)

Peter presents seven spiritual principles that foster an unwavering faith. These virtues serve as a strong defense against Satan’s attacks on my relationship with Jesus. Practicing these principles forces the enemy to retreat.

Peter instructs us to begin with diligence, indicating that I must focus on these seven attributes, which require introspection and behavioral observation. They serve as a benchmark for identifying areas where I can improve my walk with Christ.

By integrating these principles into our lives, we gain insight from Jesus. As Peter states:

"For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

(2 Peter 1:8)

Incorporating these seven divine characteristics into our daily routines allows others to see Jesus working through us. They signify a life enriched by God's blessings and the Holy Spirit, illuminating our godly integrity and commitment to God's truth.