Secure Faith

Billy Graham left us with this thought: "When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost." So many people put more trust in what they have amassed on this earth than they do on what will be their fate in the afterlife. Wealth can be lost in the blink of an eye, but with enough tenacity and hard work, one can 'make back' some of this physical wealth. Health might rob us of our dignity, strength, and even our humor, but it never fully robs us of what we have stored up in the way of memories. Character, on the other hand, carries a heavy loss. Families, friends, fame, and sometimes even faith can be crushed when someone falls into 'ill-repute'. There are no high walls of safety in this world until we enter into the walls of our Savior's arms!

The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety. Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor. (Proverbs 18:11-12)

Whatever we do on this earth, with the time we have been given to dwell upon this terra firma, we need to keep in mind that character matters. What we say, how we say it, what we do, when we do it, all matters. It leaves a lasting impression - one that defines our character so many times. Being cognizant of our choices is one thing - being cognizant of how those choices will be 'displayed' to others can actually be important because we might just be helping another see Christ through our choices. The things we amass on this earth will never provide us with that true 'wall of safety' we imagine they will. The only 'wall of safety' we need is Christ Jesus. When we say "YES" to Jesus, his protective covering envelops our lives. Do we need to worry about the enemy's attack? Maybe - because we can begin to put more faith in 'our walls' than in our relationship with the one who provides our defense!

Allow Christ to begin to build solid, morally upright character within you. That is the only defense we really need. Christ takes care of the rest when our focus is on him first and foremost. Does that mean we don't need to work hard at our jobs? Not at all. It means that when we put forth our best as God instructs us to, God takes care of the rest that we may not be able to do on our own. God never just asks us to curl up and do nothing - he commissions us to be on mission with him. To do what we are able to do, as he instructs, then see what he will do with that honest obedience. Our 'wealth' isn't physical - it is spiritual. We 'possess' nothing on this earth that will ever measure up to turning over the reins of our lives to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Just sayin!