Living Faith: Beyond Material Wealth to Gospel-Driven Action (02/26/'24)*

Living Faith: Beyond Material Wealth to Gospel-Driven Action The true meaning of human existence goes far beyond just gathering wealth or enjoying material possessions. When we only measure human worth by material success, it distorts someone's path in life and negatively impacts others. Think of charitable giving as clothes on our bodies. Is there anything more valuable than life itself? Just as clothes do not diminish the value of the body they cover, nothing is more precious than life. This raises the question: What really defines the essence of life? When someone, no matter how naive, embraces the teachings of the Gospel and puts them into practice, they will find wisdom and strength. This growth isn't just about understanding or thinking about Gospel principles; it's seen in actions that embody these teachings, guided by the Holy Spirit. Living by the Gospel naturally involves acting on its teachings. It's important to be vigilant if our actions don't live up to our faith or if our words surpass our deeds. A true faith is one that acts more earnestly when our actions are lacking and remains humble when our actions speak louder than words. This principle is supported by various scriptures, such as Matthew 7:21,24; 10:28-30; Mark 9:23; Luke 10:36-37; John 6:29; 13:17; James 1:22-25; 2:14-18,26; 1 John 3:18; Colossians 3:23-24; Ephesians 2:10; and Philippians 4:13, among others. These references highlight the importance of living a life that reflects one's faith through actions, underscoring the belief that genuine faith is demonstrated by how we live, not just by what we say. Pastor Steven G. Lee (February 27, 2024)