As I look around the world today through various vehicles of communication whether it be news, social media, a magazine; I wonder how my faith can be activated in the world. Some may wonder what that means? Well, I was reading in the bible where it says that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1, KJV). As I pondered that, I thought about the word “substance” in the verse. Why would the writer of Hebrews, which is believed to be Paul speak of faith as substance?

Consequently, the definition of substance is referred to as “real physical matter of which a person or thing consists and which has a tangible, solid presence” (Substance, n.d.). In addition, the definition also states that it is “the most important part of something; The real or essential meaning.”. Paul, was referring to faith as something more, something tangible, something that has a solid presence, something that was integral with real essential meaning in his life, and who every person who believes in Christ should also incorporate into their lives. It is important to note, that faith according to Paul, was something solid, of real substance that produced a good result. Ask yourself, is your faith producing a good result? Hence, the reason why James also says, “that faith without works is dead” (James, 2:14-26). Basically, faith is active when good deeds are present.

Faith by itself cannot produce anything because there is no substance to activate it. However, when you activate faith with works, then your faith can be measured by the outcome, which is then “the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, KJV). But what is the substance of faith that produces a good result? Well, James gives us two examples. One example, says that if you have faith, but you see someone in need and you have the means to help them but instead you do nothing to meet the persons need then you are faithless. Why? Because the word says “that faith without works is dead” (James 2:26, KJV). On the other hand, the other example is that if you see a person a brother or a sister in need and you extend a helping hand, then you have faith. So, truly what is faith in action? Is it praying for a miracle? Is it asking God for something you need? Is it looking for blessing? Although, many see faith in that manner here is what the word of God says faith is according to the Book of James 2:17, faith is the substance that produces good deeds. So, you see when you are inspired by faith to help others in need you have both faith and works because you are believing God for the transformed heart in the person(s) you are helping. When you are empowered by faith to help others you have both faith and works because you are permitting God to send you as the vessel of help to meet somebody else’s need. When you are connected with others to help others you have both faith and works because you are permitting God to connect you with those that want to help others to meet a need while trusting God for the provisional outcome. Isn’t that what the body of Christ should reflect? Active exposed faith is measured by the substance of our good deeds towards others!

The best way to walk in faith is to be inspired by others who have paved the way. This book is a wonderful way to get started. It is a good read. Click on the picture to purchase.

References

Substance. (n.d.). In Microsoft Bing. Retrieved from https://www.bing.com/search?q=definition+of+substance&cvid=732ebb1279274b8d83d3f7c87a24f7d6&pglt=43&FORM=ANNTA1&PC=DCTS