Living in Faith

A reflection

Hebrews 10:38-39
38 But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”  
39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

What does ‘living in faith’ mean to you? Do you feel as though it is something you have to summon for yourself, or is it always there, a gift from God? Maybe a combination of them both, or something entirely different. Everyone’s relationship with God and journey in faith is unique.

The bible often uses metaphors to speak on topics such as faith, and a common one is likening our lives to a building, one that is built on the solid foundation of God. In 1 Chronicles 22, the story of the building of a great temple is played out. The leader, Solomon, is promised many amazing things for his work, not the most insignificant of which is the assurance that his people will be granted peace and quiet and abundance. Likewise, we have also been promised that we will never be abandoned or forsaken by God, if we live in his ways. This does not mean we have to build huge temples or make grand gestures of faith, only that we act with love and that our intentions are pure.

1 Corinthians 3:6-9
6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.
7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labour.
9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.