A Visible Faith

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Text: Romans 1:8-17

Reflection: It's interesting to note that Paul is thankful for the Roman Christians because of how their faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. As I think of this reality, it reminds me of several things that need to be true in regards to believers. First, we need to be people of faith. To have faith is to believe without doubt. It entails an inner conviction about the facts and reality of things. So Christians are to have unwavering faith in the gospel and person of Jesus. Second, our faith needs to be visible. The Roman believers lived in such a way that word of their faith spread throughout the world. They had a reputation to be people who believed in and lived for Jesus. Finally, I need to be thankful for rather than jealous of believers who gain a good reputation. When I hear of churches that are growing because of the visible faithfulness of their people I need to be thankful and celebrate rather than become jealous and irritated. I need to allow their faith to inspire me to act so that I too gain the reputation of being a believer and a doer. So as we enter the world today, let us make it evident that we are believers in Jesus.