 |
| Photo Story |
Faith in the revelation of God is not made complete by simply believing. It has to be the beginning of much else; it does not end with knowledge, it must pass into practice; its first exercise is in the intellect, but it must thence be diffused over our whole life. Just as intelligence and free-will distinguish us in every one of our actions from the brute beasts, so should active faith characterize the life of every servant of God. We should live in an atmosphere of faith, and always act by its guidance. "The just man liveth by faith" (Heb. x. 38). "Faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself" (Jas. ii. 17). We live by faith:
1. When we constantly feel the vivid reality of those things that we believe, and are absolutely certain about them, and value them more highly than all outward possessions or inward attainments.
2. When our action is in full accordance with our belief, and we carry out exactly the line of conduct dictated by the truths of revelation. The motives, and principles, and aims, and many of the actions of him whose life is guided by faith, will be perfectly different from those of the man who is guided by sensual appetites and worldly ideas. Consider your thoughts and words and actions. Are they in any way different from those of unbelievers and pagans? Is your life Christ-like and divine, or is it identical with the lives of those who believe only and desire only the things of this life? In what respect are you deficient?
