A Lifestyle of Faith • The Expressions of His Grace

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed in a way that awakens more faith]. As it is written and forever remains written, “THE JUST and UPRIGHT SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” Romans 1:17 AMP

What does it mean to live by faith? It means faith has to be a lifestyle. What is a lifestyle? The way a person lives. Something that is a consistent part of your daily habits, priorities, behaviors, interests and how you choose to live your life. Not something you do once in a while or only if necessary for a short period of time.

An intentional effort is as necessary towards the goal of maintaining your faith (trust) in God as the intentional effort towards maintaining your faith (trust) in your spouse. Do you trust your spouse just once or just every once in a while? NO. Trust is developed in relationship with them and trust must continue to be nurtured in that relationship for it to be maintained. As a matter of fact, if you were away from your spouse, didn’t communicate with them for long periods of time, and stopped the intimacy of vulnerability and sharing, your relationship with your spouse would suffer to the point that you would eventually stop trusting them completely.

And so, in the same way, faith is a lifestyle that is a byproduct of nurturing our relationship with God. Just as in a marital relationship, the longer you maintain and nurture that trust, the stronger it will grow! Day by day, year after year. It is the same with our heavenly Father. Faith is a lifestyle we must cultivate daily to have it stay consistent and active in our walk with Him.

We can say we trust God, but it is in moments of testing (by a fallen world or the devil) that our trust in God is challenged and we will respond either from that position of having faith or not. If we haven’t been cultivating a lifestyle of faith (trust), we won’t have it during those times. And truly, every day is an opportunity to either trust Him or not. Faith pleases God and without it, our relationship with Him is no better than a marital relationship where there is no consistency of trust. Faith is the only way to God. Faith in what Jesus did for us, faith in God’s goodness towards us, and faith in His ways. Our initial Salvation requires us to respond in faith to God’s giving grace of forgiveness and redemption. Faith is how we receive anything from God. We have to come to know Him intimately through His Word and in personal fellowship to develop a faith that will not back off and see His grace.