Living by Faith

Faith is the foundational element to Christianity. It is through faith that we enter into a personal relationship with the Lord. How we think and act (our very conscience) have to be rooted in genuine faith. Our faith in Christ causes us to then live according to His principles and precepts. After these things, we then have to live a life characterized by faith.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17 (KJV)

As Christians, we have to live by faith. What does that mean? Am I to live without a care or concern? Do I live as someone who is a part of a utopian society? NO. Living by faith simply means to live in a manner where you expect God’s continual direction and deliverance. You must trust that God cares for you.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)

Regardless of what situations you may be confronted with, you can rest in knowing that God knows all things. He will give strength in hard times, peace in troubling times, provision in lean times, and protection all the time. He will give you mercy and grace to help, in spite of your greatest needs.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:16 (KJV)

One has to live knowing that God will never lie or deceive His people. He will always be a present help in the time of storm.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee Heb 13:5 (KJV)

Faith in God does not make anyone exempt from troubles. Oftentimes, it will place us in the center of it. However, the Christian who lives by faith knows in their very conscience that God will never leave them nor forsake them.

What is Your Reason for Living?

What is your reason for living? Is it your spouse, family, job, ministry, friends, or even yourself? For the Christian, the reason for our existence should be Christ. When Christ is not at the center of our being, we will struggle internally to continue to serve Him. We must remember that He gave His life that we would have eternal life.

On the shores of the beach, Jesus came to the disciples and ate with them. He asked Peter: “Lovest thou Me more than these? Or, do you love Me more than these?” (John 21:15). We must consider this question and our answer presently. Whatever you love will become your reason for living. It will become the “these” in your life.

There have been many speculations of what is the subject of “these” in Jesus’ question to Peter. There are two popular viewpoints. First, they represented the fish. Peter and some of the others had returned to their former profession of fishing. Second, they represented the other disciples. Since Peter denied the Lord on the night they took Him, he was given the opportunity to reaffirm his love for Him.

Regardless of which of these or any other you prefer, Jesus’ question challenges the believer. Each interpretation reveals to us a need to love Him more and to make Him our reason for living.

The first interpretation shows us that we have to love Him more than our former selves, sins, and vices. We cannot return to our old ambitions and endeavors as our reason for living. Peter returned to what he was doing before he met the Lord. If He is not our reason for living, we will go backwards. 

Some focus so much on trying to overcome where they came from that they forget that their focus is to be upon Him now. In doing so, when we behold Him, we become more like Him. Conversely, if we are consistently focusing on sins, we will fail. Though temptations come, your desire or love for Him must supersede your desire for the old sin or habit. It is the only way to resist and overcome. 

The second interpretation shows us that we have to live as if we are in competition with others in service, like in a race. If Jesus was referring to the others, it was a direct challenge to Peter to show that Christ was his reason for living more than what any others demonstrated. This challenge is upon us today. Paul echoes this sentiment when he said that we are to run this race as if we are going to be the winner. It is our only reason to be here: to please Him until that Day.

Again, what is your reason for living? Do you love Him above any “these?” Is He your reason? Love Him MORE! Make HIM the REASON! Remember, if we love Him, we will never fail because it is written that love never fails.

A Qualified Endorser

Since the advent of the television, there has been the commercial. Commercials sometimes can prove to be annoyances rather than vehicles that connect the consumer to the best products. Today, a marriage between the entertainment and advertising industry has occurred where celebrities are becoming walking endorsements.  However, unknown individuals exist who become the face and voice of a particular product or brand name. 

Regardless of the company, they have an expectation that those who endorse their product will lead a life that is reflective of the advertiser. However, we have seen individuals throughout the years who lost their positions as product endorsers because of misdeeds in their personal lives.

What does this have to do with the Christian? It is simple. When we receive Christ, we instantly become spokespersons for God’s timeless product of salvation. Thus, God expects us to be representatives of this salvation even when we are not in front of the camera; that is, involved in religious activities or among other Christians. 

As Christians, we have to abstain from worldly lusts and demonstrate love, integrity, and character in our lives. This is how we remain respected endorsers of the work of Christ.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:1-3 (KJV)

If we continually disobey the Word and choose our own ways and thoughts, we can be removed from service. If we are unfruitful in our Christian walk, Christ taught that one could be removed; that is, from effectual service in Him.

The Christian’s desire must be to please God, that He may use his/her life in any manner. In all that is said and done, let it represent God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Hence, the question remains, Are you a qualified endorser of the gospel message? Does your lifestyle misrepresent the gospel message? Just know that you can make a difference as your life reflects the Christian faith.