In 2 Corinthians 5:7, Paul spells out a basic principle of how to live and move as a Christ-follower: “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
When you walk by sight, you’ll find yourself saying one of two things:
Let’s Go Back. When you walk by sight, you will focus on circumstances rather than the vision God has for your life. Although they had been slaves, the Israelites were willing to return to Egypt rather than wait for the Promised Land.
Let’s Stand Still. In the midst of an opportunity, those who walk by sight will become paralyzed. There is a time to pray and reflect but there is also a time to act.
Here’s the truth about standing still: Churches don’t ever really stand still; they either make progress or they fall backward. Christians do not stand still; they either grow or they decline in their spiritual life.
We must not stand still when God says to go forward!
So, how does a person of faith respond to the circumstances of life?
Let’s Go Forward. Going forward involves risk. Faith always stretches us beyond where we are. If you can see every step of the way, you’re not walking by faith but by sight.
I don’t want to get settled into a life that is routine, boring, and predictable. I imagine you don’t either.
When you gave your life to Jesus, you married adventure. Jesus is anything but routine, boring, and predictable. As a church, we have married adventure – that’s why our vision to start healthy churches and campuses stretches and challenges us.
In 1924 George Mallory, a British mountain climber disappeared while trying to summit Mount Everest. A fellow member of his expedition wrote this in his diary:
“He was last seen heading for the top.”
I hope that one day that will be said of me.
I hope that will be said of you.
Whereever you go to church, I hope your church will be known as one that is heading for the top.
When you live by faith, you are heading for the top.