2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
This is a tough one. It is easy to say, but not so easy to live. We are continually influenced by what we see…to the point it shapes what we believe. But Paul challenges us in this verse to not make decisions based upon what we see. We could all give testimony to the fact that things are not always the way they appear. Sometimes what you see is a mirage and can be deceiving. Cultivating a spiritual sensitivity can save you many “I should not have done that” moments in life.
So, how do you know when you’re living by faith? Paul gives us two keys in chapter 4 that will serve as indicators.
1. When our words declare things before we see them. 2 Corinthians 4:13 – “And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak.” Faith will declare things that are not seen. Faith will cause our lips to speak what we believe. When you find yourself saying things that you believe, that’s an indicator you are walking by faith.
2. When our focus is on the unseen. 2 Corinthians 4:18 – “While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Everything you see is temporary. I had someone say to me one time, “It’s hard to believe that everything we see won’t be seen one day.” Everything you don’t see is eternal. That takes some getting used to, some faith, and some growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ. But when you begin to focus on spiritual things instead of earthly things, that’s a good indicator you are walking by faith.
Let your words and your focus not be controlled by what you see. Close your eyes and see through your spirit into God’s dimension. With faith, declare with your lips what you believe, that you may walk by faith today and not by sight!