Do You Take Your Faith Seriously?

"This "faith unto salvation" has been illustrated in many ways. If I stand on the twenty-seventh floor of a tall building and press the button for an elevator, I am confident (I have faith) that the elevator will arrive. Indeed, it does, and the door opens. I am now presented with a vehicle that, I am confident (I have faith), will take me to the ground floor, or to the top of that building, provided I step into it.

When I do, my faith in that elevator takes the form of personal trust. It has become not only objective confidence but a personal reality to me. In the same way, the faith of the gospel (the truth of Christianity) becomes the path to my personal salvation when I exercise faith. This is accomplished by accepting Christ's death as my way to right-standing before God."  -David Breese, Living For Eternity, Moody Press, 1988, p. 36

An important aspect of being a Christian involves the element of "faith." Let me give you some examples: The gospel to which a person responds in becoming a Christian is called "the faith" (Jude 3). Those who obeyed the gospel have been "faithful to the Lord" (Acts 16:15; Colossians 1:2). Christians are referred to as "the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10).

Certainly, "faith" is the underlying principle of all the Christian's conduct. We can say that it's fundamental to our salvation in Christ (Romans 1:16-17); and that it's central to the life we now live in Christ (Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:7). However, even with this being said,  the nature of faith and its importance in the life of Christians are often misunderstood, and neglected.

Perhaps a little clarification is needed; and that's what I will attempt to do here today in this brief format. An obvious starting point would be to define the "meaning of faith." First, this involves the idea of belief. Belief is the certainty, or conviction that one has in some truth or proposition. An example would be, believing in things concerning Jesus and His kingdom (Acts 8:12). Such faith, or conviction, comes from the Word of God (Romans 10:17; cf. John 20:30-31).

Next, the "meaning of faith" involves the idea of confidence. Confidence is the willingness to place one's trust and reliance on someone else. An example of this would be, placing our trust in God, that He is reliable (Romans 4:3, 20-22). We are to have similar trust in God (1 Peter 4:19).

Last, the "meaning of faith" involves the idea of fidelity. Fidelity means that one is loyal, committed, and can be trusted. For example, a faithful steward is one who is reliable (1 Corinthians 4:2). Our faithfulness (commitment, trustworthiness) is to last even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10,13).

Therefore, a faithful Christian is one who believes in the Word of God; he has confidence in the Person of God; and is himself loyal and trustworthy in the service of God. Now, let's take a look at what can be said about the "life of faith."

A "life of faith" involves confessing our faith. As an example, acknowledging our belief in Jesus Christ before others. This is something we must do as a condition of salvation (Romans 10:9,10). And, it is something we do throughout our lives (Matthew 10:32,33; 1 John 4:15). The life of faith is never ashamed to admit that one believes in Jesus Christ.

It also involves living by faith. This can be conducting one's life with trust in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:20); trusting in the works of Jesus, not our own; that His death was truly for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:1-3; Titus 3:5-7); and trusting in the words of Jesus, and living accordingly (Matthew 6:33,34; Luke 6:46-48). The life of faith is one that seeks to live in harmony with the teaching of Jesus.

A "life of faith" involves benefiting by faith. This can be, for example, enjoying the blessings that come from a life of faith. Such as joy and peace, hope and power (Romans 15:13). Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we can receive such blessings (Ephesians 3:12; Philippians 4:6-7,13). The life of faith does not go unrewarded in this life, even though its primary concern is the life to come.

Finally, a "life of faith" involves maintaining our faith. For example, remaining steadfast in the faith we have in Christ. After all, there is a need to stand fast, because faith can quickly turn into unbelief (1 Corinthians 15:1-2; Hebrews 3:12-19; 4:1-2,11). To maintain faith, we must add to it other things such as virtue, knowledge, self-control, etc. (2 Peter 1:5-11; 3:17-18).

In conclusion, we have learned that a Christian is one who should take his faith very seriously. Why? Because, it is essential to salvation (both being saved, and remaining saved); and it is essential to life (to receive blessings now, and in the life to come).

Here are a few questions to ask yourself: Are you "living by faith?" Do you believe what has been revealed about Jesus Christ? Do you have confidence in Him, that He can deliver on what He promises? Are you a trustworthy disciple of Jesus, someone He can count on to be faithful?

Unless we can answer "yes" to such questions, we have a little further to go in order to appreciate that the significance of being a Christian  includes "living by faith!"

Scripture: Proverbs 28:20; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 13:8; 1 Corinthians 4:2; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 12:2; Psalm 40:10-11

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this day. Please help me as I face a week of pressures and anxiety. Grant me peace so I may get through with a calm heart and level head. Amen

May God bless you!

Constance