Faith Love Hope

DEVOTION
1 THESSALONIANS
FAITH, LOVE AND HOPE
1 Thess 5:6-9
6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
NIV
I cannot see it any other way than I am to live a life that is completely different than the unbeliever. I must live my life based upon faith in Jesus Christ. I cannot live by the standards and principles of this world. The unbeliever has nothing else to hope in other than their own self. They must strive to achieve whatever they can. They live without the knowledge of Christ in their hearts, without hope, without real love. They have no salvation, they are doomed to perish. Although they may not realize it, they fate is a horrible thing. I have escaped that, I have my breastplate on; my helmet is in place firmly upon my head. I do not comply with the world’s way of life. I cannot comply with that way. I must live by faith, not by sight. God is my all in all. He has provided salvation for me. He has provided hope for me. He has provided all my needs, all I have. All I am is because he has provided it. In Christ I have right standing before God. In him I am righteous and holy. The world cannot see Christ therefore they cannot believe in him. It is faith which gives men sight into the realm of God. If those who do not believe live in the darkness, how can they see? Unless a light in shined into that darkness. I know I have to be different than them. Live a different way, yet am I not suppose to let my light shine so they may see? Although I must live different am I not suppose to go into the darkness with my light? Or should I just be a beacon somewhere off in the distance hoping they see that small ray of light? I am sure if I am stuck inside a building they will not see it. I must travel out among the unbeliever, getting to know them, letting them know me, and see my light, see my life of faith, hope and love. That is so difficult for my inner being would rather be held up in my own place. Yet I must put on my faith and love and let my light shine brightly so those who are doomed to perish might find their way. I fear at times that may also include some who are religious but still live by the principles of this world rather than of God. I am called to proclaim the truth to them as well. I must live my faith, love and hope out loud.