Active faith? Ever heard that faith without works is dead? We aren’t saved by works because we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus! Therefore, works are the overflow and outcome of our active faith! Firstly, are you living a life with active faith or passive faith? Secondly, we are called to have an active faith and do something for the glory of God! Finally, we are called to have an active faith that produces works, not so we can boast but rather so that God can be glorified!
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
James 2:26
Today’s Verse of the Day:
For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened.
Matthew 7:8 AMP
For example, let’s be the dads who have active faith that keeps asking! Furthermore, let’s be the dads who live active faith by keeping on seeking! Finally, let’s be the dads who demonstrate their active faith by continuing to knock!
So how can our active faith as expressed through today’s verse of the day help us to be the dads our wives, kids, and world need us to be?
Applications of Matthew 7:8 toward living our lives with an active faith that will ensure we will be the dads our wives, kids, and world need us to be:
- Prayer: The verse encourages us to ask, implying that we should seek guidance and support from God through prayer. Regularly praying for wisdom, strength, and the ability to be a loving and responsible father can help us fulfill our role effectively.
- Seeking wisdom: Actively seeking wisdom and knowledge is essential for personal growth and being a good father. We can do this by reading books, seeking advice from mentors, attending parenting classes, and studying relevant resources.
- Being present: Knocking implies taking action. As fathers, we should actively engage in our children’s lives, spending quality time with them, being present, and actively participating in their activities and interests.
- Listening: To truly understand the needs of our wives, kids, and the world around us, we must be attentive listeners. Actively listening to their concerns, dreams, and desires helps us respond in ways that are supportive and meaningful.
- Cultivating empathy: Developing empathy allows us to connect with our loved ones on a deeper level. Understanding their perspectives, emotions, and struggles helps us respond with compassion and provide the support they need.
- Seeking knowledge of our roles: Just as we seek knowledge in various areas of life, we should actively study and understand the responsibilities and challenges of fatherhood. This can involve reading parenting books, attending seminars, or seeking advice from experienced fathers.
- Being patient: The verse suggests that not everything comes instantly. Patience is crucial when it comes to personal growth, relationships, and raising children. It allows us to persevere through challenges and extend grace to our loved ones.
- Modeling virtues: As fathers, we play a significant role in shaping our children’s character. By living out virtues such as integrity, honesty, kindness, and forgiveness, we can model these qualities and teach our children to embody them as well.
- Taking initiative: The verse implies that action is required. As fathers, we should proactively take responsibility for our families’ well-being, initiating acts of love, service, and support. This can involve household chores, helping with homework, or being actively involved in our communities.
- Trusting in God’s guidance: Finally, the verse reminds us that when we seek and knock, the door will be opened. Trusting in God’s guidance and provision can give us the confidence and faith we need to be the fathers our wives, kids and the world need us to be.
