Opportunistic Faith

Series: Modern Faith Heroes

“Captain Happy to the rescue,” my father yelled as he flew into the room.

As young children, my brother and sister and I laughed on many occasions because of our father’s spontaneous antics. He was our personal super hero, expressing his fatherly love in enjoyable ways. His acting illustrated the significance of his fatherly role – our protector, our leader, our rescuer. These fond memories reassured us that he cares. Now, as an adult, I realize my father’s faith shaped his life and, consequently, his life influenced others’ faith. He continues as an inspiring spiritual example, “living by faith.”

As a high school coach, my father included boys of “color” on his early-sixties track teams, even though cultural prejudice dictated separation. As a school administrator, he managed calmly and fairly in stressful situations. When rules and expectations were undergoing significant change, he held firm to unchanging godly principles. Adolescent boys regretted his discipline. But, years later, they appreciated his willingness to get involved. Lives have been changed because of my father’s opportunistic faith.

In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, the writer sets a high standard for life in Christ, “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (v.1). The faith role models knew, “God had planned something better for us” (v.40). Every case in the forty verses described real people who were obeying and doing and living in practical ways, seeking to please God.

Some people talk about faith in idealistic ways. This point of view, though hopeful, is impractical, only seeing things as they think things should be. All too often, talking about faith, without living faithfully, results in a judgmental attitude and an unwilling spirit.

Real life situations are unpredictable and often difficult. God calls people of faith to put into practice the belief in their hearts. True faith isn’t just talked about, it is seen in action. Faithful people get involved and are willing to pay the price for obedience. What are you doing with your opportunities to live faithfully? Seek to please God, thereby inspiring others to change.

Prayer
Our Heavenly Father, we know you are worthy of our faith. We also know you reward those who earnestly seek you. Please help us to see the great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Help us to be participants, not just spectators, in your plans. Help us to live with opportunistic faith. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith, Amen.

Carl Smith
Stephenville, Texas