the proof is in the faith
"We constantly are mindful before our God and Father of the way you are proving your faith, and laboring in love." —1 Thessalonians 1:3
The Christians of Thessalonica were proving their faith so well that their proven faith was celebrated "not only in Macedonia and Achaia" but "throughout every region" (1 Thes 1:8). Could your faith be accurately called "proven" and "celebrated"? Are you trying to walk by faith, not by sight? (2 Cor 5:7) Are you looking for opportunities to express and even prove your faith? Are you looking for the easy way or the faith-way? Are you looking to take new steps in faith and to grow in faith? Will you try to move a mountain by faith? (Mt 17:20) Do you celebrate others' faith? Do they celebrate yours?
"Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see" (Heb 11:1). Faith is not a quality we have or something we exercise on special occasions. Faith is confident assurance, which is a result of a deep, loving relationship. Our goal as Christians is to make every aspect of our lives expressions of faith. Paul proclaimed: "The life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in me...It is a life of faith in the Son of God" (Gal 2:20). Give your life to Jesus; live in His love (Jn 15:9); receive a deeper faith in Him. "All depends on faith" (Rm 4:16).
Prayer: Father, may hearing Your word help me to hear You better. May my improved hearing improve my communication with You and deepen my faith in You (Rm 10:17).
Promise: "Let the faithful exult in glory." —Ps 149.5
Praise: "He has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places" (Lk 1:52).
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Hold Fast to the Faith on audio AV 71-1 or video V-71.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 1, 2011
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