Favor of God
Favor of God
Every follower of Christ should have a desire to honor the Lord and seek the favor of God instead of the favor of man. If you have the favor of God you will find favor with man.
Favor Without God
There are those who are a gifted with skills, abilities, talents, so even though they do not believe in a God, their abilities leads them to be ‘blessed’. Blessings can come from ‘plain ole hard work’. But I would argue that any ability or talent ultimately comes from God rather He gets credit for it or not. Also, more importantly, any earthly blessings are only temporal.
Promises of God
There are multitudes of Bible passages that make it clear that the favor of God comes from obedience to His word and that there are consequences for disobedience. Many of the promises and blessings in Scripture can be part of our life here on earth, but more importantly there are also eternal blessings from our obedience.
Align with the Favor of God
As Christians we should want to line up our lives with the Bible in such a way that it brings the most favor of God to us.
Examples
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? 20 You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
The context of this verse is in regards to sexual purity. Thus if I practice sexual purity I certainly have less chance of getting venereal diseases. That is certainly the favor of God. If I want good health I should eat healthy. I will certainly have a greater chance to not get disease than if I eat unhealthy. That is the favor of God.
If I need healing to my body I need the favor of God. I would do all I can to line my life up with His will. Can He heal me regardless of how I live? Absolutely!!! But does it not makes sense to do all you can to line your life up according to His Word, to walk in obedience?
Good News
When I fall short and bad things come my way, or I am doing all I should and bad things come my way, I am promised everything will work out for good in the end. Praise God.
Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
Bottom Line
I cannot manipulate God by my behavior, but I can do all that I can to align my life to his Word, so that I may have His favor.
What is guaranteed for sure-I will never be harmed or punished if I live my life in such a way to gain His favor.
To keep my heart and my motives right, my number one reason for living in obedience is to bless and give glory to my Savior, not to get gain His favor. That is a by-product.
