“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6
The word “impossible” really causes me to perk up my ears, especially when written in Scripture. Really? It’s impossible to please God without faith? Yep, that’s exactly what it says. This would allow us to then dispense with the notion that you and I are “good” people and that are good deeds will be all that is needed to ensure our get out of Hell free card. Therefore, if faith pleases God, the question that begs to be asked is this:
“What are you doing that requires faith?”
It’s easy to say that we believe in God. There are millions of people that say they do. It’s an entirely different matter to walk by faith. Just a few verses earlier, Hebrews 11:1 gives us an incredible working definition of faith. “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Our hope rests in the person and the work of Jesus Christ. Though we do not see Him, faith is being certain of the promises given to us in God’s Word. If faith in Christ is the defining characteristic of our lives, God’s pleasure rests on us. It’s a beautiful thought, isn’t it?
So, I would pose to you this question today. Does your life of faith in Jesus Christ look any different than that of your unbelieving neighbor, friend, co-worker, family member? Has faith in Jesus caused you to live life differently? Does your faith cause you to live radically, thus putting you in the position to be desperate for Jesus? If your life looks no different than someone down the street that has no relationship with Jesus, perhaps it’s time to ask yourself these questions. What are you doing right now in your life that requires faith…something that without God’s presence, strength, and help, there’s no way you can do it? Despite popular opinion, good deeds don’t make us good people, and good deeds don’t make us Christians either. Faith pleases God. Do you have it?
Debra Ann Bradshaw says
Selah….makes me think and re-examine my life…love you!