Day 4: Renting vs. Owning
There’s a simple difference between renting a home or apartment and owning a home. On the one hand, you pay somebody else for the opportunity to live under their roof. On the other hand, you get to live under your own roof. You either invest in somebody else’s future, or you invest in your future. Both may provide the same benefit for the present, but only one will provide lasting benefit for you and your family.
Unfortunately, there may be times when we do the same thing with our Christian faith. There are times when we only go to God during difficult circumstances, but when life is going well we actually worship Him less. Or maybe there are times when we pray about things we really want, but don’t truly worship God by praying about our own fears, insecurities, perfectionistic tendencies, or other areas that are real needs in our lives. In other words, there are times when we rent our faith, and only focus on the present circumstances in our lives. These times when we rent our faith, we forget that there will be lasting benefits to owning it.
As you read today, consider this: In what ways are you currently renting your faith? How would your life (and future) be different if you decided to own it?
READING:
In what ways are you currently renting your faith? How would your life (and future) be different if you decided to own it?
This passage in Habakkuk shows us that he was able to continue to be a worshiper of God despite having no food and his life being in shambles. Do you foresee yourself as ever being able to own your faith at this level? Why or why not?
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Genesis 33, 35
Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I confess that I am sometimes a person who rents my relationship with You, instead of owning it. Today, I want to begin to own my faith in new ways. Even though I’m not exactly sure what that looks like, I know that You will lead me. Even though I’m not sure where that path will take me, I know that You will be there with me. Even though I may sometimes veer off that path, I know that You will pursue me. And that’s a kind of faith I know I can truly own. I worship You today! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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