But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 KJV
Paul’s statement to the Hebrews highlights the important issue of faith. It is given in the context of Old Testament figures whose actions proved their faith. Although the Lord commands obedience, faith is the factor that leads a man to live by the will of God.
Our Creator wants a personal relationship with each believer. He is not concerned with controlling our behavior himself, but that we control ourselves in devotion to him. The Lord desires that we diligently seek him in order to know him. God wants us to willingly submit to his commands through a deep appreciation of his love for us and an understanding that God wants what is best for us.
We read in Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. KJV” Paul’s letter to the Hebrews follows this tradition of evidence and reason. When we diligently seek him, God leads men to understand his character and our fallen nature. In the presence of God’s Holy Spirit, our shortcomings come into clear view. Consequently, the truly faithful are positively transformed in the presence of God.
Keep My Commandments
To benefit from submission to a higher authority, we must believe in a higher authority. When we submit to worldly authority, we acknowledge its existence and power over us. Paul is not advocating for a naive submission to a fictional authority, a manmade authority. Instead, he acknowledges the reasonable benefit and reward of faith in God to those who diligently seek him. In other words, sincere faith and trust in God is a cause that effectively changes the way we live our lives for the better.
The reward of true faith in God is improved behavior. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments. WEB” Responding to Christ’s command to love our neighbor as our self, the faithful bring more love into the world. Responding to the Lord’s appeal to repent from sin, we overcome destructive behaviors.
Our actions derive from thoughts and our thoughts are influenced by our beliefs. Therefore, what we do reflects our deepest beliefs. With good reason, Paul teaches that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. As we draw closer to God, our reward includes the cleansing of our sin through faith in Christ and repentance which simply means to turn from sin and toward serving God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the rewards that come from seeking you. Thank you for my salvation from sin. Guide me with your wisdom to live according to your will. Help me to share your love with the world. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Love Your Wives
