Your Object of Faith

Now Faith is...
concerning things expected...reality,
concerning things not seen...confidence.
(Personal rewording of Hebrews 11:1)

We look to the future. Yet even scientific discoveries, statistical analysis, and historical research leave many questions unanswered. There are problems needing resolution. There are deep needs that yearn for fulfillment. We often feel a void of uncertainty.

What is it that offers hope? What is it that offers the possibility, or better yet, a true expectation of filling the void or solving the problem? What is it that provides the confidence that tomorrow’s uncertainties will be manageable?

What is that unseen force, power, or being that gives you strength of confidence and a real expectation that with it, you can face tomorrow; you can overcome life’s uncertainties, your needs will be met?

Do you expect financial success to provide?
A higher paying job, a more lucrative investment, a bigger or better deal?

Do you expect career to provide?
A step up on the career ladder, more authority at work, your own business, career success?

Do you expect physical strength or beauty to provide?
A quest for health and a longer life, pursuit of strength that cannot be overcome, pursuit of beauty to charm and sway the hearts of men?

Do you expect knowledge to provide?
A greater knowledge and a deeper wisdom to outthink and outwit and outlast life’s competitors?

Do you expect the relationship of family, friends, or associates to provide?
The acceptance and tolerance of friends and family; a relationship with someone of importance, someone of wealth, someone of power?

Men have pursued these and other things to provide confidence and hope to meet the challenges of life’s uncertainties.
And yet...
If financial success is that which provides hope and confidence...wealth is your god.
If position or fame is that which provides hope and confidence...success or power is your god.
If physical strength or beauty is that which provides hope and confidence...your body is your god.
If knowledge and wisdom are that which provide hope and confidence...intellect is your god.

To what or to whom do you turn when conflicts arise in your life? When uncertainties and needs arise, who or what first comes to your mind? Who or what stands foremost in your mind as the reality that can bring about needed changes to solve your problems and fill your needs?

Or, do you, perhaps, simply trust in yourself??

The object in which you place your faith, that which, though perhaps unseen, stands as the reality in your life on which you depend for answers… that is your god/God!

I am the Lord your God...

You shall have no other gods before Me.

--Exodus 20:2-3

Mark Stinnett

July 21, 2024

Something Beautiful

Some will see the beauty of the snow; others, a clean, safe sidewalk. The saying is true: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

We understand Samson, David and Xerxes (Esther’s king). They were men who desired and married beautiful women. But why mention that Sarah, Rebekah, Rachael, Abigail and other women were beautiful? Why make special note that baby Moses was beautiful, or King David?

At the very least, God is not blind. He actually understands something about the physical beauty of humans. Physical beauty is perfectly fine. No one should feel ashamed or be shamed by others for being physically beautiful.

God even acknowledged that men are attracted to women on the basis of physical beauty. In the Law of Moses, strict laws governed men who took beautiful women as wives from among the captives after a battle. (Deuteronomy 21:10-14)

As you might also expect, there are many warnings in Scripture about physical beauty. You should remember Peter’s instruction for women to pursue inner beauty, not bling (1 Peter 3:3-6). Unlike humans, God is super unimpressed with jewelry, cosmetics and fashion.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 

—Proverbs 31:30

Solomon warned his son not to chase the “evil woman.” The Hebrew word evil in Proverbs 6:24 is literally foreign or strange. That means that she is off limits to the man. She is beautiful and can turn on the charm, but she’s an adulteress. She lures men in, then destroys them. A fool chases beauty.

As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
—Proverbs 11:22

How foolish it is for a man or woman to trust in fading beauty, or so the flowers tell us.

Think about these other beauties in Scripture:

• The priestly garments for Aaron were “for glory and for beauty.” (Exodus 28:2)
• Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon was called “the beauty of kingdoms.” (Isaiah 13:19)
• Israel was called the “Beautiful Land” several times in the book of Daniel.
• Referring to the remaining faithful ones of Israel, Isaiah described the “Branch of the Lord” as beautiful. (Isaiah 4:2)
• Isaiah also told of a future King (Messiah) who would possess beauty. (Isaiah 33:17)

One other beauty stands out. Yet, our beauty-intoxicated society would surely be surprised.

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!
—Romans 10:15

Paul wasn’t referring to just any good news. He was quoting the prophet Isaiah about those who would announce salvation (peace with God), those who would share the gospel. That’s why their feet are beautiful. They carry the message of life. You too can carry the message of life by telling someone about Jesus.

(And parents, don’t forget your kids.)

Mark Stinnett

February 14, 2021