Now faith is the substance of things hoped
for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the
elders obtained a good report. 3 Through
faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God,
so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
–Hebrews 11:1-3 (KJV)
A life of faith in Christ involves daily
surrender to Christ while simultaneously putting off the values and
philosophies of the world. This does not mean for a moment followers
of Christ hide themselves from the world – quite the contrary.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:14 we are “the light of the world,” for
a “city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” The world has
always needed people of faith to shine Jesus’ light and to show the
world there is hope in the Lord. Admittedly, we have not always
done a great job. Christian people are flawed human beings and
we often fall short of what God would have us to do. Yet, we are
plan A in God’s strategy for reaching the world with the gospel.
If we fail in our task or refuse it altogether then the work is unfinished.
Putting off the values and philosophies of
the world means we live daily by faith in Christ and God’s Word.
The Word of God is the basis for our values, beliefs, outlook, goals,
and morals. Faith in Christ brings true life, joy, peace, gentleness,
goodness, compassion, patience, and self-control. Does this sound
familiar? It should for here we have the fruit of the Spirit as
outlined in Galatians 5:22, 23. In Jesus Christ, we are free to
practice these and live them out in ever-increasing measure.
One major problem is the flesh, which always
tries to interfere with living a life of faith. Christians must
make a conscious, daily effort to take up the cross and follow Jesus.
Unless we do this, we will fall short of the full life of faith and
become overwhelmed with the problems and cares of life. Sadly,
I have known too many believers who were as morose and unhappy as anyone
without Christ was. Many years ago, I was attending a revival
meeting and the guest evangelist told the congregation, “You all certainly
do not look happy. I have seen happier faces on bottles of poison.”
I am going to make a bold statement here; followers of Jesus Christ
ought to be the happiest, brightest, most outgoing, positive, energetic,
hard-working, and honest people in the world. This is a tall order
to be sure, yet the Holy Spirit provides power for rising above the
draining effects of our problems and shining the light of Jesus Christ
– each day.
Consider what others see when they look at
you. Do they perceive a self-centered person who is always complaining,
moaning about problems, critical of others, pessimistic, and generally
unhappy? If so, please know that faith in Jesus Christ can reverse
all these negative attributes. The life of faith empowers us to
be Christ-centered rather than self-centered. In turn, we become
hopeful, optimistic, patient, and compassionate towards others.
We cease from our moaning and complaining and start praising and rejoicing.
Remember, with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
Resolve to stop complaining and focusing
on the negative. Start focusing on Christ. The life of faith
is the good life in Christ. Begin living it today.
God bless you.
