We too easily, too casually, define faith. The definition slips from our lips almost unthinkingly. Who cannot quote Hebrews 11:1? But what is the nature of faith? We are not called to have faith in faith; how does one believe in/through faith? Faith is in Jesus Christ. How can we live faithfully? Faithful living is walking in the “faith dimension.”
What does it mean to live in the “faith dimension”? Our faith guides our existence in three worlds—upper, inner, outer. Faith is not only for the upper world of spiritual realities and relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Faith guides my understanding of myself as I wrestle with my inner self–my inner world. Faith guides my path through the outer world–through the challenges of daily living. To walk by faith and not by sight is all-encompassing. By faith I trust God when he is invisible. By faith I deal with my own inadequacies when I cannot forgive myself. By faith I deal with the challenges of existing in a world without guarantees.
This “three world” faith supports us when we feel that we cannot go on. Faith can grow, but at its weakest it is still faith. The father of the epileptic son declares, “I do believe. Help my unbelief.” The paradox of faith–belief and unbelief dwelling side by side in the same heart at the same time. When my faith is not strong, it is still faith. My faith cannot always see as far as I would like, but it can see farther than no faith at all. Thus I do not give up on the days when faith seems weak, or falters, or even appears to fail. Faith perseveres.
What does it mean to live a faithful life? Faith is about direction and purpose, loyalty and allegiance. Faith will be refllected in my actions, but also faith is a mental quality. Yet again, faith is not mere belief. The devils believe and tremble. People today say “I believe in God” and mean nothing more than acknowledging that he exists. Faith goes beyond affirming God’s existence–faith guides life according to principles of loyalty. Faith doesn’t demand that I always get it right–faith declares that I am trying to get it right. Because I am loyal to God.