Importance of Faith

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. — Galatians 5:6

Have you ever noticed how we get to fussing and fighting about things that we think are significant, but in reality, these issues don't pertain to the central matters of our faith? Too often, we fuss and fight over tangential issues and lose the most essential thing to God — our love for each other. In the first century, this fight often involved Jew/Gentile issues — racial and cultural practices and prejudices. While race, culture, and heritage are important, what is most important is showing the world that we can value cultural and racial diversity in each other and still find our unity in God. In today's high-tech and AI-focused world, isn't it interesting that the essential human issue is the same as it was two thousand years ago — faith displaying itself in loving action?

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. — Galatians 6:9

Weariness is a part of life. Weariness is a part of ministry. Weariness is often part of being in a family. Weariness often overtakes us when we set our hearts on doing good for others. However, God's wonderful blessing renews, sustains, and rekindles us. He does it through the encouraging words of a friend. He does it through his presence in us, the Holy Spirit. He does it through songs that lift our hearts. He does it through words in a book and prayer. So, while our bodies and spirits may grow weary, let's not let our hands fall idle. If we serve with faithfulness, discipline, and integrity, God's grace will empower us through the Spirit to do what he has called us to do. Please do what you gotta do and do it in spirit and truth.