Tag Archives: Active faith

Faith works

 

“Do you love me?” she asked. He replied, “I told you I did when I married you! And if that ever changes, I’ll let you know.”

 

We’d be astonished to hear such a conversation! Why? Because real love doesn’t express itself once. It keeps on loving and continually expresses itself in ever deeper ways. It may be bold and demonstrative or it may be gentle and quiet, but it is never passive. Real love is always active.

 

That is how faith should be also. Real faith is active.

Faith works…always.

 

That was evident in the life of Philemon. Paul says, “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers because I hear about your faith…and your love.” (Philemon vs 4)  Philemon lived a “legacy life” that positively impacted others. There was something genuine and famous about the way he lived. Love and faith were the foundation upon which his reputation was built. We don’t know if he was a prominent leader or businessman. We don’t know if he had a great memory for sports trivia or if he was skilled with his hands. We don’t know if his lawn was always pristine and well-kept, whether he drove the latest model of mule and cart, or if he had a large account at The First Bank of Jordan. But we know he was known for his faith and love. Like a ripple that continued spread across the water, his faith touched and refreshed the hearts of others in his path. (V 7) Isn’t that the legacy you desire most?

 

We are called to be active in sharing our faith. It is our path to gaining real understanding of what it means to be Christian. Sharing real faith refreshes the hearts of others. And it’s a needed reminder to us of what we believe, to whom we belong, and what our purpose is this very day.

 

“Faith works” means it perseveres, it carries on, it doesn’t give up. Real faith is actively applied to the efforts and struggles of our day. We approach problems and trials, suffering and woes, doubts and fears, all through the working of our faith.

 

“Faith works” also means it solves problems, it succeeds, it wins, it is functional. When faith is placed in a Mighty God, faith becomes mighty.

 

And faith brings understanding. In fact, that was Paul’s prayer for his friend, “that you may be active in sharing your faith so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” (V 6) And the understanding of all we have in Christ leads us to love others as he loves them.

 

Real faith works and is active. It impacts others when it is expressed in love. In fact, faith expressing itself in love is the only thing that ultimately matters. (Galatians 5:6) Real faith isn’t obnoxious or hurtful. It doesn’t judge. (That is God’s job.) But it isn’t kept to itself. Real faith is active and loving.

 

How would you describe your faith? How would others describe it? Is it sedentary like the one who professed their love for another and decided to marry, but never acted on that love? Or is it a faith that is actively played out throughout the course of every day? Do you keep your faith to yourself in a way that others would be surprised to learn that you are a Christian? Or is it evident to all because your faith works?

 

Live a legacy life marked by an active faith that works. Be active in sharing your faith in a winsome and genuine way so that you gain a full understanding of all you have in Jesus.

 

Peacemakers are teachable and moldable

Years ago, iconic former speaker of the house, Sam Rayburn, made an astute observation (paraphrased): “(Anyone) can kick over a barn door. It takes a carpenter to build one.”

What truth that offers for us today. Anyone can rail against something or someone, ridicule them, and point out every negative aspect of another position. But it takes a peacemaker, a skilled craftsman, to build something positive and lasting. I don’t know if Rayburn considered the double entendre of his use of the word carpenter. Jesus, of course, grew up as a skilled carpenter. And he is still crafting and sculpting his followers with his creative and purposeful skills. In fact, he gave us his own Spirit to live in us to guide us, convict us, comfort us, and intercede for us.

The question is, are we willing participants in this process? Or are we resistive materials in his hands? Do we tend to, like wayward and stubborn sheep, go our own way or do we listen to and follow our master’s voice? The bible describes us like clay in the potters hand. Are we moldable and able to be shaped according to his purpose, or do we have our ambitions set on being a certain type of vessel, quite apart from his design?

The many versions of the Christian prayer attributed to 13th century Saint Francis of Assisi speak to this. Some versions mention being an instrument of God’s peace; others a vessel:

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is error, the truth;
Where there is doubt, the faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”

Being an instrument or vessel that conveys God’s peace requires the surrender of our lesser ambitions and desires for God’s greater will. It requires attuning our mind and heart to his loving voice, and to being an eager disciple of his teaching. And in doing so, to let his light actively shine into the lives of others. Choose today to be a vessel of God’s peace and truth, his unending love and amazing grace. Let the master carpenter mold you into his likeness so you can carry his peace to others.

“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.” 1 Samuel 12:23