Living by faith

By Devon Dick

Recently, The Jamaica Baptist Union, at its general assembly held at the Boulevard Baptist Church and climaxing at The National Arena, explored its two-year theme 'Living by Faith'.

The faith being mentioned is not so much about the Christian faith, inclusive of the doctrines and practices. It is more about what former principal of Calabar High and retired Baptist minister, Arthur Edgar, defined as "wholehearted reliance on and commitment to God and his will". In addition, David Kuck, Lutheran lecturer, relying on John Calvin's Institutes, states "faith is the gift of a trusting relationship with God who is revealed in Jesus Christ, a relationship that is based on the knowledge of God revealed in our minds and confirmed by the Holy Spirit in our hearts". Living by faith is to have a consistent, constant, continuous and complete confidence in Christ, during times of crisis, change, chaos and comfort that God our creator is in charge and control of all events and people and all will be well through the strength of the Spirit.

Living by faith is the lived reality of so many Jamaicans because of the conditions in Jamaica. A 23-year-old final-year university student writing in the Youthlink (March 18, 2014) said, "I am only sure of one meal for the week and that is on Sunday, when my generous neighbour offers me a plate of food. Sometimes I make this food last for even three days, depending on the amount I am given." There are persons who live by faith in God and expect daily bread from a God who supplies needs according to his riches in glory.

Faith in God as revealed in Jesus is a remedy against fainting in times of trouble and enables us to make right judgments. Unfortunately, living by faith in Jesus is counter to popular thinking of living by sight that is primarily focused on things material. This world view is to focus on what we can touch, taste, smell, feel and see. It is a focus on things that are temporary and transitory. Who remembers that Martin Cooper invented the first mobile phone in 1973? So although we use a mobile phone every day even great achievers are forgotten after a while.

worshipping matter

Nothing is wrong with matter because God made matter and declared it good. However, when we give pride of place to physical comforts and material possessions over against the mind and spiritual values, then we have started to worship the creature (matter) instead of worshipping the Creator God. Matter is not all that matters.

Many want us to be like Singapore, not recognising that some people call Singapore the 'misery city' in spite of its wealth, orderliness and advanced use of high technology. It is labelled the world's least positive country. On the happy index, they are at the bottom of the pile. There are intangibles that help to make life worth living.

Some jurors in the Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer murder trail claimed that bribes were offered to arrive at a not- guilty verdict. Apparently, these persons who were financially poor said they cannot be bought. For them justice was more important that a wad of money. Jamaica needs more persons like these jurors who place a higher value on values, such as honesty over money.

If life was about living by sight primarily, then persons born blind or who become blind would never be able to enjoy a meaningful life. The Christian is well assured by faith that there is another life after this has ended, so that even if we do not get justice in this life we who live by faith in God will inherit a better place called heaven.

Rev Devon Dick is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew. He is author of 'The Cross and the Machete', and 'Rebellion to Riot'. Send feedback to columns@ gleanerjm.com.