Advanced Faith (5) – Your Faith Career in 10 Steps
Establishing a faith career is the summit of every faith-led individual’s amibitions. A faith career is not “to become a doctor and earn loads of money,” it is “to become a doctor and heal the sick.” A faith career is not “to go into business and make millions,” it is “to go into business and serve needs”. For a politician to become a “faithful servant” he must wholeheartedly put the interests of the community, his constituency, first, and worry less about his own image or prospects. Now you see how hard it is.
Jesus had numerous goals: to make himself known as the son of God, to choose his ministers or disciples, to found the rock of the church, to die as a mortal and be reborn divine, and to found beliefs that would last forever. When we analyse how he succeeded we see what it takes to be a true worker for God.
1 – From an early age Jesus familiarised himself with the scriptures.
2 – At every opportunity he communed with his Father, our Lord.
3 – Even in the wilderness he resisted the goadings of the devil
4 – He used his skills as a healer, preacher and prophet to enlighten and inspire, never to show off
5 – He was a brilliant team coach, turning fishermen into fishers of men
6 – He knew, through his prayers, what God wanted from him
7 – He never trusted men nor their opinions, only the word of God which operated within him
8 – Hid did not tolerate the dogmas (or the corruption) of establishment religion
9 – He was tolerant and forgiving of all people. His teaching was for everyone, regardless of beliefs or inclinations.
10 – He was focused on his message and would not be deterred by anything, even painful crucifixion.
Did Jesus ever doubt, fear, wish his mission were not so painful? Yes, we know from the scriptures that he had such moments. This was the burden of his humanity. Jesus, while on earth, was first and foremost human and had to learn what his Godly status was through prayer and meditation. He was not a superhero from another dimension endowed with superhuman powers. His supernatural ability was by faith channeled into him from God in Heaven that Heaven might come to earth.
Jesus is our perfect role model for a faith career. Your own might be more modest. It might be writing articles, or just listening to people who need to talk. Or it might be something more spectacular. Whatever it is, if you have been following this series of “Advanced Faith” articles, you will now be ready for that challenge.
