WALKING BY FAITH



We walk by faith, not by sight…while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. 2 Cor. 5:7 and 4:18

The apostle Paul reminds his readers that followers of Christ must not build their lives around things that have no eternal significance. Rather than pursuing the same things the world pursues, a Christian should focus on the unseen realities such as Jesus and heaven. Paul goes on to say, "So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" 2 Cor. 5:9-10. Jesus instructed us to store up treasure in heaven Matt. 6:19; Luke 12:33. He promised rewards to everyone who does His will Matt. 16:27; 1 peter 1:17; Rev. 22:12

The Christian life is a walk. It is comprised of day by day steps from where we are to where the Lord wants us to go (both spiritually and geographically). This walk is undertaken by faith, not by sight. "We walk by faith, not by sight."

To walk by faith is to fear God more than man; to obey the Bible even when it conflicts with man’s commands; to choose righteousness over sin, no matter what the cost; to trust God in every circumstance; and to believe God rewards those who seek Him, regardless of who says otherwise Heb. 11:6. We who know the Lord Jesus Christ cannot walk in this manner in His kingdom. We must walk by faith, by depending upon our Lord, His word, His promises and the work of grace by His Holy Spirit. Spiritual progress is made "while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen."
So often, things are not as they appear to be in the natural. Consider Joseph being sold to slave traders by his jealous and deceitful brothers. It did not look like Joseph was being groomed to be Prime Minister in Egypt. Think of Pharoah and his army closing in on Israel, as they were trapped beside the Red Sea. It did not look like Israel would be delivered and the Egyptian army would be destroyed. Remember young David standing before gigantic Goliath. It did not look like the giant would be defeated and David would enjoy a thorough victory. Only eyes of faith could really appreciate what was actually happening.

The cross of our Lord Jesus is undoubtedly the greatest example of things not always being what they appear to be. As Jesus hung upon the cross, it appeared that godless men had defeated the most godly man that ever lived. "Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst…Him…strong you have taken by lawlesshands, have crucified, and put to death" Acts 2:22-23. Yet, in fact, God was at work, preparing a resurrection victory over sin and death for all who would believe. "Whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it" Acts 2:24.

Christians should spend their lives glorifying God in everything they do 1 Cor. 10:31. It requires faith to live this way because we cannot see, hear, or touch anything spiritual. When we base our lives on the truth of God’s Word, rather than on the popular philosophy of our day, we are going against our natural inclinations. Our natural instincts may be to horde money, but walking by faith says we should "give to those in need" Luke 11:41 Luke 11:41; Eph. 4:28. Society may say that sexual immorality is acceptable, but those who walk by faith base their standards on the unchangeable nature of God’s Word, which says any sex outside of marriage is sin 1 Cor. 6:18; Eph. 5:3; Gal. 5:19. To walk by faith requires that we tune our hearts to the voice of the Holy Spirit and the truth of His Word John 10:27; 16:13. We choose to live according to what God reveals to us, rather than trust our own understanding Prov.3:5.

May God give you more of His grace to for you to walk in the path of righteousness in Jesus name. God bless you and keep you shining in God kingdom.

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