What Is Active Faith?

January 02, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.” Luke 2:15-18

Have you ever experienced a major life disruption? It can be a wonderful thing like the gift of a child, a promotion that leads to a move, or a marriage. Disruptions can also be disastrous such as a car accident, death of a loved one, or a job loss. Whether good or bad, disruptions change the way you live.

The angelic chorus that came to the shepherds this night provided quite a disruption! With this divine disruption was a major life choice – would these shepherds go in search of the Christ child as they had been told to do? Would they play it safe and remain with their flocks?

Because these men chose obedience, they went from watching after the sheep in a field to standing before God Incarnate. That was quite a promotion! Obedience is faith in action, and it can be hard – hard to leave the known for the unknown. Yet, as we see with the shepherds, obedience leads to divine opportunities and the presence of God.

We all have divine opportunities for obedience. What are you doing with them? Are you going in haste to follow the Lord’s calling and direction trusting that his plans are good. Or are you choosing to deny that sense of calling and the divine invitation to experience the Lord in a new way in order to feel safe and comfortable?

These shepherds were radically transformed due to their obedience. You will be too!

Reflection:

Are you living a life of active faith demonstrated in your obedience to the Lord’s word and directives? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Follow the ancient way of the Psalms and find the life God has for you. A model for vibrant worship, the Psalms provide practical wisdom to traverse the circuitous path of life with trust and hope. Pilgrim’s Path: A Study of the Psalms traces our spiritual walk with God—from discovery and delight, through doubt and disappointment, into joyful confidence. Whether used for individual or group study, Pilgrim’s Path is for everyone who seeks to know and love God more and find life in him.