The Face of Faith

At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully as I am fully known (1 Corinthians 13:12 NAB)

As Christians, we are called to live by faith (see Hebrews 11:1 NAB). We understand that our faith will be tested each day in the choices that are set before us. Our choices will either draw us closer to the image and likeness of God, or our choices will draw us away from that image and likeness. Most often, it is our choice, and ours alone.

Our freedom of choice comes with great responsibility. Freedom is the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that, and so to perform deliberate actions on one’s own responsibility. By free will one shapes one’s own life. Human freedom is a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness; it attains its perfection when directed towards God, our beatitude (CCC 1731). Are our choices directed towards God, and the ultimate good?

It can be difficult living in a culture where moral relativism seems to be more commonplace. It is even more difficult raising children in such a culture that often undermines traditional Christian values while celebrating everything contrary to those Christian values.

If we dare to speak out against abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, or other behaviors and actions that profane God’s law, we are the ones being accused of intolerance. God’s truth matters not to those who insist on normalizing behaviors and actions that are immoral or unjust. What matters most to such people, is world-wide acceptance. They erroneously believe this will alleviate the unrest they feel; the unrest that often accompanies disobedience. In this case, disobedience to our heavenly Father.

One should not be surprised, that no matter how many laws are passed that benefit the LGBTQ community, or “a woman’s right to choose”, until global acceptance and support is achieved, they will keep protesting. Tolerance or equality is not the goal here, for clearly, in this nation, this has already been achieved. The goal is for that which has always been understood to be sin, will no longer be understood as sin, but simply choice.

As Christians, we must refuse to be intimidated or manipulated by the world we live in, because we are sojourners in this land, and his commands are not hidden from us (see Psalms 119:19NAB). As difficult as this may be, it is our duty as Christians to speak the truth, even when that truth offends someone whom we love. When we speak the truth in love, we are fulfilling God’s command to love one another.

At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror…

Original sin has left us broken, and unable to see clearly God’s truth, and so we must remain in him if we wish to understand his ways (see John 15:1-6 NAB). We as Christians need to look in the mirror, but beyond our reflection, to who God intends for us to be. We are the adopted sons and daughters of God, and heirs to his kingdom. We may see a sinner looking back at us, but God sees a saint. We may see hardships and suffering that mar our earthly journey, but God sees where we are going. We may see most days as a battle, but Jesus Christ has already won the war, and he will return to see to it that justice is done for us speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth (see Luke:18:8 NAB)?

Prayer: Dear Lord, May my ways be firm in the observance of your laws (Psalm 119:5 NAB).