Hebrews 11:2 states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.”
Being known for your faith is a good thing. We want to be known for so many things in this world: known as a good coach, good singer, good spouse, parent, cook, student, athlete, business person, and so on. But the bible says that the elders obtained a good testimony by their faith.
Churches get praised for: having a lot of members, a great choir, a pastor that can really preach, for having a lot of programs, helping in the community, and so on. There is nothing wrong with any of that, but the Apostle Paul gave thanks to the LORD for the churches in Rome, Ephesus, Thessalonica, and Colosse because of their faith and their love.
I want to be a great husband, father, and coach. I want to live out those things in such a way that I obtain a good testimony by them. However, above all, I should desire to be known for my faith—and more so, be known by GOD than by man. This is important because there is a chance that I can fool you. I can deceive you, but I cannot deceive HE who sees everything and nothing is hidden from HIM. (Psalm 33:13, Jeremiah 23:24, Matthew 10:26)
Of course, all of the great things mentioned above can be achieved through faith. Do we recognize it? Do we testify about it? JESUS was blown away by the faith of others on a few occasions (Matthew 8:5-10 & Matthew 15:21-28). And let us not get it confused, their faith was not in the power of positive thinking—their faith was in JESUS.
They are known for their faith. What are you known for?
Grace and peace.
(Original Photo by Stephen Walker on Unsplash)
