Distillation Of Faith

It is good to have a working definition of distillation. Noun : the process of purifying (a liquid) by successive evaporation and condensation.

Faith is a component of distillation, meaning we are purifying ourselves in to a refined Child Of God. Refined from what? Of this mortal existance, that is characterized by life that is both good and evil, pure and defiled, Godly and Ungodly. The distillation comes by applied living, again good from evil, pure from defiled, et al.

We know this as purification, and this Walk Of Faith is a walk of purification. As anyone who may be familiar with this blog will note, I have had a rather busy three months. This includes today when I had to sever a relationship/courtship with my girlfriend.

Why? Because all God provided relationships have the one component in all of them, they draw you closer to God. Or in keeping with the theme of this post: they distill you. Surprising? Hardly. When you belong to God, every aspect of your life has a purpose that is rooted in Him. The real question then becomes "who can stand the test(s) of knowing God?"

Or who can weather the distilling process of faith? I come and add more to this, I was confronted with a thought that has been escaping my attention through all the trials of life I have walked through in the past few months. It is that the basis of our faith is love. Love God, love each other. I know this but in the chaos of the distillation process (and it is thoroughly invasive, though needed) I let my love be assailed. When we are in distress, it is the most important thing to do: love. Each other and God.

So some will deem it hard hearted and trite that I broke off my relationship with my girlfriend, and others who damage one's walk with God. They will see my so-called brand of faith inflexible and cruel, not understanding that the distillation process refines the soul, and removes that which can tear us down and defeat us. 

This brings a question to mind: what is more important, chopping your hand off to save your life, or saving your hand and thus killing the body? There was a hunter and trapper, a few years back, faced with the selfsame question years ago. He had become trapped in one of his traps and was faced with the same decision.

Today he is alive to tell the tale. Can you figure out what his decision was?

We as Christians are faced with this question several times a day. What will we watch on television? What will we allow ourselves to say, do or feel? What mountains will we climb to stand free before the throne of God? And what do we deem more important, a finite life of self indulgence, or a selfless life of constraint? Only we ourselves hold the keys to eternal promise or eternal damnation. We need to love so that we can stand before the throne of God whole, complete in His Grace, and perfected by His love. I suggest to contemplate the choices wisely.

The Bible tells us truly:

"Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you." 1 Samuel 12:24 (KJV) 

Note with all your heart. Remember Christ told us to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength. It is that love that finishes the refining process that we may go home. This world is not home. Our home lies in the kingdom of God, and our walk of faith, in love, gives us the keys to open that eternal door that we may go home.

I love you God, I love you Jesus, I love you Holy Spirit, thank you for loving me. Let Your Holy Will be done in my life God, and only Your Holy Will. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So be it, Amen and amen!

Be blessed, be loved and be at peace. May the light of God's glory and presence fire the brilliance of your souls.