Profession Of Faith

1Corinthians 16:13&14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

When we are given a chance to speak in public, things can either go well, or they can go badly. I watched the 2014 NFC championship game and the interviews conducted at the end of the game. Some interviews were great and filled with insight into how the game unfolded for a player or a team. One interview that is still being talked about days after it aired was an example of what not to do when someone puts a microphone in your face. It was a rant from player with a college degree in communications. It's sad that what is remember will be the bad, and how quickly the good is forgotten.

The title of this devotional is a play on words. Yes, the title does in fact have a double meaning. Profession of faith describes how we share with others what we believe and what our faith is grounded in. From John 3:16 God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. And from Ephesians 2:8&9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. These are the pillars of our belief and faith. These simple truths explain the love we are shown by God our Father and the reason His Son suffered for all on the cross. This grace of God is a gift, not something we earned. That is what we profess.

Now, for the rest of the play on words. A profession is a job, or vocation. A professional is a person who studies, grows , and progresses in knowledge, skills and abilities in their chosen field of endeavor. They stay in the game to keep sharp. Their knowledge, skills and abilities may be called upon to solve a problem, respond to an emergency or to represent their chosen profession in a public forum. They are ready to share. 

Conventional wisdom tells us that the only professionals of faith are trained and ordained clergy. The real truth is all believers have a profession of faith and a responsibility to profess their faith. We are all commissioned to speak the truth. 1Corinthians 16:13&14 Reminds us that we are to Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. We are called upon to be ready to profess our faith just as anyone with a profession of faith would. The question to ask yourself is are you ready when called upon? Are you on your guard so that when the time comes you will share your faith in loved and with conviction? These opportunities present themselves with little or no warning, hence the need to be on your guard. Friends, pray for the opportunities and the words to share. Rest assured, God will provide for your needs through His Holy Spirit. Speak with confidence,and love friends.

Prayer: Father, we are oftener asked on what do we base our faith in You? We live in a world that chooses to ignore You and set its own standards. These standards are built on shifting sands and not grounded on the rock that is Jesus Christ. Help us, by Your Holy Spirit in our profession of faith to profess our faith. May our words be Your words of Hope and love. This we ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.