Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel for a reason.
We must first believe in order to have a desire and a motivation to follow.
Without the belief, we wouldn’t have any reason to act.
But there are other gifts of faith that make its preeminent position purposeful and beneficial.
When we trust in the power and goodness of Jesus Christ, when we believe that He can do what He says He can do, when we know that His promises will all be fulfilled, we live differently.
We can trust that we are loved, so we don’t feel the need to seek for a counterfeit love in anything else.
We can trust in our potential in Him, so we embrace learning and growth with grace, patience and humility.
We can trust in the power of Christ, so we don’t have to rely on our own (or others’).
We can trust that He will light our path, so we don’t wander blindly in darkness.
We can trust in His knowledge and vision, so our limited sight is not an obstacle.
We can trust that He is good and merciful, so our trials are transformed.
We can trust that the plan is at work in our lives, so we don’t mistakenly pursue a false way.
When the Lord counsels us to put faith first, He is offering us a life lived in this way.
With hope and confidence and a certainty of grace.
With light and love, assurance and anticipation.
We can be surrounded by these gifts all the days of our lives, in smooth waters or rough.
Faith first means we live encompassed in the peace and rest He gives.
He invites us into a life of faith, knowing that He is its author and finisher, that He has overcome all things we will ever encounter, and that He has provided every necessary thing for us to live an abundant, joyful, fulfilling life here and hereafter.
First, faith.
Then, a life full of all of these generous gifts of faith.
