Choosing to walk by faith means having the courage to trust in something greater than ourselves, even when the path ahead is unclear or challenging.
What does it signify to walk by faith rather than by sight, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:7? While the phrase may appear uplifting, it is often misconstrued as suggesting that those who walk by faith are lacking in intelligence, overly sheltered, or disconnected. In reality, walking by faith entails being observant, resilient, and actively involved.
In 2 Corinthians 5:7, the apostle Paul asserts, “We live by faith, not by sight” (NIV). The English Standard Version (ESV) articulates it as, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” The term “we” refers to the followers of Jesus. If you identify as a follower of Jesus, how do you embody this principle?
At first glance, this may seem like an encouraging slogan. However, what would it genuinely mean to lead a life in accordance with this belief?
Our Vision of "Walking by Faith, Not by Sight".
During my upbringing, I encountered a tale about a pair of nuns employed at a hospital. While driving through the countryside, their vehicle unexpectedly ran out of fuel. A passing truck driver kindly offered to siphon some gasoline from his tank, although he lacked a gas canister. The nuns discovered a clean bedpan in their car and opted to utilize it for this purpose. After the truck driver filled the bedpan with gasoline, they expressed their gratitude, he departed, and they proceeded to transfer the fuel into their vehicle's tank. At that moment, a police officer happened to drive by and observed their actions. He halted and remarked, “I don’t believe that will be effective. However, I truly admire your faith!”
This anecdote serves as a humorous illustration of how many individuals perceive the concept of “walking by faith.” While numerous people find the notion admirable and inspiring, they often do not view it as a practice they would personally embrace. Although the idea may seem uplifting, it can also appear impractical. There are certainly some outspoken atheists, such as Richard Dawkins, who regard faith as detrimental, labeling it “one of the world’s great evils.” Nevertheless, the majority of individuals would agree that while walking by faith is commendable, it may not be a path they wish to pursue themselves.
Many individuals would agree that the concept of walking by faith is commendable, even if it does not hold personal appeal for them.
The concept of walking by faith rather than by sight may seem plausible in cinematic narratives, where the ambiance and musical score create an enchanting atmosphere. However, once the film concludes and the illusion dissipates, it is often dismissed as mere entertainment.
The phrase "to walk by faith" evokes memories of a pivotal scene in the original Star Wars film, A New Hope, where Luke Skywalker prepares to make a critical attempt to destroy the Death Star. As he approaches the target's most vulnerable point, he focuses intently through the computerized targeting system. At that moment, the voice of his late Jedi mentor resonates, urging him to "Use the force, Luke. Let go, Luke. Luke, trust me." In response, he deactivates the computer, relaxes, and places his trust in the force. While this moment is undeniably inspiring, it is unlikely that the young adults leaving the theater would subsequently close their eyes during the drive home, relying solely on the force for navigation.
This raises the question: what does it truly mean to "walk by faith, not by sight"? Is this approach genuinely feasible? And if it is, does it hold any significant value?
Sometimes the path forward isn't clear, but with unwavering faith, you can conquer any obstacle in your way.
Interpreting the phrase "walk by faith, not by sight" can often lead us to ascribe various inspirational meanings to it. However, to truly understand the significance of 2 Corinthians 5:7, it is essential to examine the surrounding context of the verse. By considering the verses that precede and follow it, we can gain a clearer insight into the implications of walking by faith as opposed to relying solely on sight.
What It Doesn’tMean to Walk by Faith, Not Sight Unintelligent
At first glance, the phrase "walk by faith, not sight" may appear to lack intelligence. It seems to suggest a disregard for the tangible realities before us, as if one is attempting to convince oneself of a belief that is likely unfounded.
However, faith, as depicted throughout the Bible, is far from a mere emotional uplift; it is intricately linked to a profound sense of assurance ("Now faith is confidence in what we hope for," Heb. 11:1, NIV) and a deepening understanding (e.g., Rom. 14:1-2). When we consider the broader context of Paul's exhortation to "walk by faith, not sight" (2 Cor. 5:7), it becomes evident that Christian faith is rooted in convictions of which "we are convinced" (2 Cor. 5:14, NIV). Both the preceding and following verses to 5:7 affirm that "we are confident." This confidence arises from the fact that Christian faith fosters a solid foundation of trust in the living God, rather than fleeting joy derived from illusions.
The Christian faith fosters a deeper, more enduring confidence in the living God, rather than a fleeting joy that ultimately reveals itself to be an illusion.
In fairy tales and secular literature, faith is often portrayed as a conviction held in the heart that lacks rational support in the mind. However, for those who follow Jesus, the common experience is that biblical faith poses fewer challenges to our intellect—given the substantial evidence for the existence of God—than it does to our frequently irrational human emotions, which continually attempt to persuade us of our own superiority over God.
To walk by faith rather than by sight does not entail disengaging our intellects in order to convince ourselves of beliefs we recognize as false.
Sheltered
At first consideration, the phrase "Walk by faith, not sight" may appear to be a principle applicable only to those whose lives are already stable and free from significant concerns. It seems to reflect the experiences of the fortunate and sheltered. In contrast, the majority of individuals must remain vigilant and maintain realistic expectations to ensure their basic needs are met.
However, upon further examination of the broader context surrounding "Walk by faith, not sight," a different narrative emerges. The Apostle Paul describes his experiences and those of his fellow disciples of Jesus with terms such as "hard pressed," "perplexed," "persecuted," and "struck down" (2 Cor. 4:8-9, NIV). He states, "We who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake" (2 Cor. 4:11a, NIV), and notes, "Outwardly, we are wasting away" (2 Cor. 4:16, NIV). He poignantly expresses the interim period between the present and the anticipated return of Jesus with the phrase, "Meanwhile we groan" (2 Cor. 5:2, NIV).
Paul describes his experiences and those of his fellow disciples of Jesus by employing terms such as 'hard pressed,' 'perplexed,' 'persecuted,' and 'struck down.'
The concept of "walking by faith, not by sight" does not imply leading a life free from pain and difficulties; rather, it suggests a journey that may still encounter challenges and hardships.
Aloof
Living by faith rather than by sight may evoke the notion of an individual so focused on the afterlife that they neglect to make a meaningful impact in the present world. While it is accurate to say that walking by faith involves “fixing our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen” (2 Cor. 4:18, NIV), it is incorrect to interpret this as a call to disengage from others. On the contrary, a life guided by faith compels us to engage with those who have yet to embrace Jesus: “We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20b, NIV).
The essence of walking by faith does not entail remaining distant or disconnected from others.
What It Means to Walk by Faith,
Not Sight Perceptive
When we broaden our perspective on the phrase “Walk by faith, not by sight,” it becomes evident that faith involves perceiving reality in its true form. In contrast, a lack of faith restricts our vision to what our physical eyes can observe, limiting our understanding to a mere fragment of reality.
The Apostle Paul articulates that to walk by faith is to view individuals through the lens of heaven rather than from a “worldly point of view” (2 Cor. 5:16, NIV). This approach entails adopting an eternal viewpoint, allowing us to feel a sense of belonging in both the earthly and heavenly realms (2 Cor. 5:6-8). Thus, to walk by faith rather than by sight signifies focusing on the eternal: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18, NIV).
To walk by faith rather than by sight signifies focusing our attention on that which is everlasting.
Journalist Marvin Olasky, in his work “A Matter of Seeing,” articulates that recognizing the world as both spiritually and materially inhabited alters our perspective on every facet of existence. This understanding underscores that Christianity transcends mere pastime, revealing that life encompasses more than our various distractions. To walk by faith rather than by sight entails focusing on the enduring truths of reality instead of relying on the ever-changing illusions that surround us.
When we grasp reality in its true form, our awareness of what truly matters in life deepens. As disciples of Jesus, we come to understand that we cannot be defeated, regardless of the challenges we encounter. Whether we are “at home in the body or away from it” (alive on earth or in the presence of Jesus in heaven), we can trust that God will care for us. In either circumstance, “We make it our goal to please him” (2 Cor. 5:9, NIV).
To walk by faith, not sight means to be perceptive of reality as it is and to view life through this eternal perspective
Resilient
As previously discussed, living by faith rather than by sight does not exempt one from encountering pain and challenges. In fact, for Paul, faith in Jesus led to significantly greater hardships than he had ever faced before. However, experiencing being "hard-pressed," "perplexed," "persecuted," and "struck down" should not lead Paul, or any of us, to lose hope. Embracing a life of faith, rather than relying solely on what is visible, fosters resilience in the face of adversity.
We possess this invaluable treasure in fragile vessels to demonstrate that the extraordinary power originates from God rather than from ourselves. Although we face challenges on all fronts, we are not overwhelmed; we may be confused, but we do not lose hope; we may be persecuted, yet we are not forsaken; we may be knocked down, but we are not defeated. We continually bear in our bodies the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
Individuals who walk in faith remain steadfast and do not succumb to despair, even amidst the turmoil of life surrounding them.
Consequently, we remain steadfast and do not lose our resolve. Although our physical bodies may be deteriorating, our inner selves are being rejuvenated each day. The challenges we face, though they may seem light and fleeting, are preparing us for an everlasting glory that surpasses them all. Therefore, we direct our focus not on the visible, but on the invisible, for the visible is transient, while the invisible endures forever.
The challenges we face, though brief and insignificant, are preparing us for an everlasting glory that surpasses them all.
This resilience is sustained by a belief in a God who transforms brokenness into something valuable. He examines the disappointments we experience—the fruit that has fallen and decayed—and uncovers the potential for cultivating Christlikeness within us. It is this Christlikeness that reinstates God's glory within our being. As Paul expressed, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27, NIV). The experiences of being “hard-pressed,” “perplexed,” “persecuted,” and “struck down” are intricately integrated into God's overarching design, so that “the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body” (2 Cor. 4:10, NIV).
Walking by faith rather than by sight entails confronting challenges with steadfastness, understanding that God utilizes difficult periods to cultivate Christlike qualities within us.
Engaged
Engaging in a life guided by faith rather than mere observation enhances our connection to the world, rather than diminishing it. Faith instructs us to perceive individuals as integral to a reality imbued with eternal importance. To walk by faith signifies that we do not evaluate others through a worldly lens (2 Cor. 5:16a, NIV). Consequently, we prioritize individuals as the most significant events on our earthly agenda.
Consequently, we serve as ambassadors for Christ, as if God is communicating His message through us. We earnestly urge you, on behalf of Christ: Seek reconciliation with God.
To perceive reality in its entirety is to recognize individuals in their profound and lasting importance. Paradoxically, to walk by faith rather than by sight allows one to truly see others for the first time.
Add comment
Comments