In what ways can we "acknowledge" our faith in daily life? Setting the Scene: The Witness of Hebrews 11:13 “All these people died in faith, without having received the things promised. Yet they saw them and welcomed them from afar, and they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13) The patriarchs confessed—out loud and in how they lived—that their true homeland was with God. That word “acknowledged” carries the sense of openly declaring and gladly owning one’s allegiance. Daily life gives countless moments to do the same. Acknowledging Faith with Our Words • Speak the name of Jesus naturally in conversation (Romans 10:9–10). • Offer simple, sincere statements like “God has been kind to me today” instead of vague “good vibes.” • Share Scripture when it directly applies, trusting Isaiah 55:11 that God’s word accomplishes His purpose. • Refuse to use coarse, tearing speech; choose words that “give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). Acknowledging Faith through Choices and Priorities • Arrange schedules around Lord’s-Day worship (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Budget with first-fruit giving in mind, demonstrating that resources belong to God (Proverbs 3:9). • Evaluate entertainment by Philippians 4:8 standards—whatever is true, honorable, just, pure. • Make decisions prayerfully, accepting James 4:15: “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” Acknowledging Faith by Hospitality and Service • Welcome others into the home, echoing Romans 12:13 to “practice hospitality.” • Serve behind the scenes at church or community ministries; faithful anonymity still proclaims Christ (Matthew 6:4). • Carry someone else’s burden, turning Galatians 6:2 into visible reality. • Write notes of encouragement; small acts signal we believe every member matters (1 Corinthians 12:24–26). Acknowledging Faith in Trials and Waiting • Voice trust instead of despair: “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21). • Maintain integrity when no one is watching, knowing “the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth” (2 Chronicles 16:9). • Practice gratitude in pain—“give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)—declaring that God is good regardless of outcome. • Keep an eternal outlook as 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 urges, considering present troubles “light and momentary.” Acknowledging Faith in the Public Square • Engage civic life honorably—vote, work, speak—with 1 Peter 2:12 holiness that silences false accusations. • Pray for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–2) before criticizing them. • Defend life, marriage, and truth with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). • Refuse dishonest gain at work; Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us our real Supervisor is the Lord Christ. Keeping the Heavenly Perspective Hebrews 11:13 points to believers who confessed they were “strangers and exiles on the earth.” Every deliberate word, choice, and act that lifts eyes toward that better country acknowledges faith today. Live openly as citizens of heaven; the world is watching, and the Lord is pleased. |
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