Living out our faith goes beyond the one-hour service we attend on Sundays. It is a daily commitment, a lifestyle encompassing every aspect of our lives. Faith is not meant to be categorized into one day of the week. Still, it should permeate our thoughts, actions, and interactions daily.
The Old Testament prophet Micah succinctly sums up what God requires of us in Micah 6:8, “He hath thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” This verse encapsulates the essence of living out our faith daily.
Doing justly implies that fairness and righteousness should guide our actions and decisions. This should be evident in our workplaces, homes, and even our dealings with strangers. Are we honest in our business transactions? Do we treat others with respect and dignity, regardless of their social status?
Loving mercy speaks to the condition of our hearts. Are we quick to forgive those who wrong us, or do we hold grudges? Do we show kindness to those who are less fortunate, or are we indifferent to the plight of others? Jesus Christ, in the New Testament, expounds on this in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). A man, robbed and left for dead, was ignored by religious leaders but was helped by a Samaritan – a group despised by the Jews. This teaches us that mercy knows no boundaries.
Walking humbly with God is about recognizing our place before Him. We are not to boast about our abilities or achievements but acknowledge that it is God who gives us the ability to achieve (Deuteronomy 8:18). Humility also involves obedience to God’s commands. In John 14:15, Jesus states, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
Living out our faith daily also involves spending time in God’s Word. The Psalmist declares in Psalms 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” By reading and meditating on the scriptures, we gain wisdom and understanding for life’s journey. It directs our steps so we don’t veer off the path of righteousness.
Prayer is another crucial component. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul exhorts us to “pray without ceasing.” This does not mean we are to spend every waking moment on our knees, but rather that we should maintain a constant attitude of prayer. Whether we’re commuting to work, doing chores at home, or taking a walk in the park, we can lift our hearts in prayer to God.
Moreover, living out our faith means being a witness to Christ. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus likens His followers to a city on a hill and a light that cannot be hidden. We are to let our light, the light of Christ within us, shine before others so that they might see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. This could be as simple as offering words of encouragement to a discouraged coworker, showing kindness to a difficult neighbor, or sharing the gospel with a friend who does not know Christ.
In Galatians 5:22-23, we read about the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These are characteristics that should be evident in our lives if we are living by the Spirit. They influence our interactions with others and reflect the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Finally, living out our faith involves the community. The early church, as described in Acts 2:42-47, devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They supported one another, shared what they had, and together, they praised God. In the same way, we are to be part of a community of believers, encouraging and supporting one another in our faith journey.
Living out our faith every day of the week involves:
- Doing justly.
- Loving mercy.
- Walking humbly with God.
- Spending time in God’s Word.
- Praying without ceasing.
- Witnessing for Christ.
- Exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit.
- Being part of a faith community.
It is a daily commitment that influences every aspect of our lives, reflecting the love and grace of God to those around us.
