Daily Devotional for Friday, October 28 

Faith Cometh by Hearing

The primary method for learning among people is by the spoken word. Of course, we all learn best in different ways. Some are tactile learners and these learn better by doing. Some are visual learners, who learn best by seeing a teaching performed. In the end, however, all learning and teaching begins with someone using words to tell us about something and how it is done. That, in fact, is a defining characteristic of humanity, our ability to use language to impart ideas. 

That is true of the gospel message as well. In the devotional narrative, Paul teaches this truth by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. What does this mean to us in our daily lives? This is not hard. We are, of course, to live lives that honor God and show people his influence in our lives. Our lives should show the world that we are different, and that we are new creations. All those things matter, and they matter a lot. A Christian, who is just like the world, shows the world nothing but a reflection of the world. That is quite useless. 

Having said that, the idea of our lives being the only testimony we give the world is actually a fallacy. What good is a changed life if people do not understand how the change came to be? What good is a righteous life if people do not understand what propels that righteousness? We have to use our words even though it may seem hard and uncomfortable at times. We have to articulate and deliver the gospel message to those who see it in our lives. If faith comes by hearing, how will they hear unless we speak?

JUST A THOUGHT: Read it again. There is a saying; “Preach the gospel at all times and use words if necessary.”

Wally Fry