The right kind of faith relies solely on what Jesus has already done to save you for all of eternity. It is a faith that takes you out of the world and places you securely in His kingdom. It is a faith that believes your sins are forgiven, and His mercy is forever around you.
You can never do for yourself what Christ has already done. “God’s Son, Jesus, paid the price for our sins and made us free. Yes, God has forgiven us” (Colossians 1:14 EASY).
The right kind of faith seeks to be near the Lord and separated from the world. It is a faith that changes you from who you were to who the Lord would have you become. It is a faith that is growing, living, and trusting in the Lord to help you.
Often, the best advice you can give someone is to seek the leading of the Lord. “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him” (Lamentations 3:25 NKJV).
The right kind of faith walks in humility before men and before God. The higher this kind of faith goes, the lower you will see yourself and the higher that He can take you. It is a life unlike anything you ever imagined but a life that God ordained for you long ago.
The lower you kneel, the higher you can go in your faith. “Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]” (James 4:10 AMP).
The right kind of faith shines brightly in the darkened world that we live in. There will be many who reject you because they hate the light of the Holy One who shines within you. If the world hates you, then that is a sign that you have the right kind of faith.
Sometimes, it is in the rejection of men that we show ourselves right with God. Jesus taught, “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19 NKJV).
The right kind of faith not only seeks to know doctrine but seeks to apply it to their lives. Knowledge without action is only the dead ink that’s on withering paper. But when you live the faith that you learn, your life will be a lesson to those who are around you.
Be as zealous to live the truth as you were to find it. “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 AMPC).
The right kind of faith forgives quickly and completely, setting you free of the bondage you were holding onto. It is a faith that is not anchored by past tribulation but sailing across the seas of peace and tranquility. The more you can let things go, the less you’ll have to carry.
We are better at preaching forgiveness than practicing forgiveness. “God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:12-13 ERV).
The right kind of faith has love as its compass and has love as the place it is going. It measures rightness by the scales of love, and it measures success by the depth of love you can get to. The more love you have in your life, the more you know you have the right kind of faith.
If you’re filled with the love of Christ, then you’ll love others like Christ. “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT).
The right kind of faith sets an example to those who are watching. It is on display both for those lost in darkness and for those still floundering in a weakened faith. You don’t always need to know you are setting an example, but you always are, and so make it a good one.
When you teach by example, you’re living proof of the message. “…Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity” (Timothy 4:12 NLT).
The right kind of faith rejects the wrong kind of living. You desire holiness not to raise you up before others but to lower yourself before God so that He can help you become pleasing to Himself. Holiness is the gauge of godliness that reveals the right kind of faith.
What would you have to give up to live a life of holiness? “So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:13-16 NLT).
Blessings to you always,
Paul Balius
Thank you for this
God bless you
You’re welcome!
Wow! This is one piece of wise writing, wondrously worded, and supported by the strength of the Spirit and Scripture. Thank You, our Abba Almighty! Thank you, beloved brother Paul. I passionately purpose with all that I am of God to run this race of which you wrote for His everlasting glory and the ministry of the Spirit of Christ!
Thank you! It is such a joy to be encouraged so much by you!