7-1-19<\/p>\n
Two different things, faith and faithfulness.<\/p>\n
We can generalize and say that Faith is what you believe, and faithfulness is how you act.<\/p>\n
As with most generalities, we can go deeper than that. Both concepts are two-way streets, at least. In the matter of God Himself, I reckon that we don\u2019t always think of the implications that God has faith in us, not merely the necessity of our belief in Him; in Christ as His only Son; in Jesus\u2019s death for out sins and His resurrection and ascension to the Heavenly throne.<\/p>\n
With Jesus in our hearts, that completes the requirements for salvation\u2026 but only begins the duties of Children of God. We need to be versed in the Word, and attentive to the leadings of the Holy Spirit. \u201cImitators of Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n
Saying \u201cYes\u201d to Jesus is more than a \u201cGet out of jail free\u201d card. God has faith in us \u2013 you and I individuals of the flock \u2013 to do His will. He has faith in us: what an awesome concept\u2026 and responsibility.<\/p>\n
Faithfulness is, perhaps, an easier concept to grasp. We can make resolutions, and establish purposes, and try our hardest, to be faithful to God. To trust Him; to share His love; to do His will. \u201cIt is meet and right so to do,\u201d the old liturgies say. And it is a matter of belief that God can only<\/em> act faithfully on His words and promises and gifts.<\/p>\n So, that\u2019s that. Right? Not really. Sometimes the most well-meaning Christians can substitute their own versions of what they think is faithfulness. Maybe some people you know \u2013<\/p>\n * Thinking that infant baptism seals their souls into Eternity? \u2026 and so forth. We are nation \u2013 our Western civilization is a culture \u2013 where the Bible probably still is the best-selling of books. Almost every home has one, somewhere; and every Walmart and Barnes and Noble has stacks of them. Where churches are on many street corners, and dot the landscape.<\/p>\n But those are not signs of faithfulness; nor, by themselves, of faith. How many Bibles remained stacked in super-stores? In how many homes is there \u201cdust on the Bible\u201d? How many churches are closed, or merging, or converted to community centers for Jazzercise?<\/p>\n Such \u201crelative\u201d proof of faithfulness or, God help us, faith, may grieve the heart of the Lord.<\/p>\n However we can be \u2013 we are<\/em> \u2013 secure in the knowledge that God\u2019s faithfulness is not relative; does not change; and is something we can hold to.<\/p>\n May that knowledge, and profound gratitude for such a loving God, have us cleave to Him\u2026 to exercise our faith\u2026 and blow the dust off our Bibles whenever it settles.<\/p>\n
\n* Believing that church membership satisfies God, with no other factors?
\n* That charitable works, or giving, is a step toward Heaven?
\n* Trusting that welcoming sinners, and accepting their sins, is doing God\u2019s will?
\n* Assuming that God\u2019s rules for life are not for today; only other people, other times<\/p>\n