2 Corinthians 5.1-10

Reference:  v.7  We live by faith, not by sight.  (NIV Bible)

Explore:  Sometimes the most logical is not the most faithful.  A few years ago I was asked to apply for a ministry position in another state.  Whenever a church asks me to consider a ministry with them I always warrant their request with some prayful thought and discussion with my family.  This position was a long way away and was only a 3-day per week paid position.  This was not usually a big issue but if we were to move state then my husband would also have to find new work, and this may not have been easy.  However, we considered it seriously trying to discern if this was the path God wanted us to take.  We were talking this decision through with our extended family and our uncle, who is not a believer, was there at the time.  He was interested in the job and what the move would entail.  However, when he discovered that I was considering moving to a job that reduced my salary, he no longer saw the new ministry as an option.  He could not see how that would be a logical or wise decision to make. While my husband and I knew that it was not a wise financial decision, we were more focussed on whether it was a wise faithful decision.  It really highlighted to me that when you live by faith you do not always hold dearly the things of this world that are crucial to others.

Application:  When we have faith we consider the spiritual world as well as the tangible world.  We realise that all we see and touch is not the be-all-to-end-all.  There is something greater to live for.  There is a higher being that gives a deeper meaning to all that we do here on earth.  We make deciaions, not based on money, power and position but to fulfill our eternal destiny.  We live by faith, not by sight.  To others it may not seem logical, practical or sensible.  But all the approval we are searching for is from the One with the nail-scarred hands.

Prayer:  Lord, living for You often means forfeiting the things of this world.  While we may not see it now, we know that living for You brings much more of a reward than living for earthly treasures.  Help us to keep our eyes on You.  Amen.

When have you made a decision based on your faith and not on the advantages of this world?