I have to admit, this chapter in the Faith-Shaped Life didn’t quite go the direction I thought it was. The title is Thinking Faith: The Logic of Redemption. So I thought it would talk about how our faith makes sense in the light of God’s redemptive work in our lives (or something along that line). Instead, Mr. Hamilton had me thinking back to Peter’s eagerness with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Peter knew it was the Lord so immediately wanted to spend time with him, when asked for fish, immediately got it, serving Jesus and his fellow disciples.
That eagerness to help others is what Jesus wants from us. Our very salvation is based on Christ’s selfless love for us. Therefore 1 John 3:16 is important to us “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers“. (esv) This is the logic of our faith.
Christ died for us with a selfless love. We believe in him, accepting that love he holds for us. Since we are working to become more Christ-like, ergo we need to be serving our brethren. Laying aside our own lives for them. THIS is how we show Christ’s love to those around us. Our love for each other, shows Christ’s love to the world.
Amazing isn’t it? Truly.
What we do here, in this world, with others who also love the Lord, shows those who don’t believe in God who Christ is. That blows my mind sometimes. That my actions really truly matter.
When Action Doesn’t Equal Faith
So what happens when my actions aren’t being what they should be? What does that signify? Mr. Hamilton rightly points out that since Christianity flows from the cross, and it also returns to the cross. If our actions aren’t showing our faith that means we have become distant and detached from the reality of the cross. It’s empty, the tomb is empty, Christ ROSE from the dead. Saving us, conquering death, making real the truth of who he is.
If we don’t see the cross daily, we won’t live out our faith as we aught to. Let us look for Christ risen, look for his selfless love on our behalf, and then show it to those around us. Let us help others see God more clearly. Understand Christ’s selfless love, it’s our greatest need.
Sometimes we need these reminders to help us stay the path or redirect to the path. Thanks.
it was a great reminder for me…