March 10, 2023 — “Live Genuinely”

“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who…trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.” Romans 4:3-5

“To one who works, wages are not a gift but payment due. We thank you that our relationship is not that of a hired hand. We do not work for wages. We work for you out of a faith and a love that you fired in our hearts. We trust you as the one who justifies the ungodly and who credits our faith as righteousness.” (heartlight website [heartlight.org])

When a consumer buys a product that includes the word “genuine” on the label, there is an expectation that what has been purchased is real. Genuine leather brings the expectation that the product is not “faux leather” – but the real deal. To live genuinely, then, means to live in a manner that is real and legitimate. To live a life of genuine faith then means that our faith is real and legitimate. This is the tangible demonstration of what is sincerely on our hearts and where our treasure is, not simply a verbal expression.

You probably have known someone whose life was or is an expression of genuine faith. We see enough “fake” expressions of gratitude, love and faith in this world that when we see the genuine article, it, or they, really stand out. Abraham is just the perfect example of someone whose life was directed by genuine faith. When G-d asked Abraham to do something, Abraham did not hold back. He left his hometown and his father’s land to follow G-d’s call. He had the guts to press G-d on whether G-d would spare the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah if even 10 people of faith were found to live in the midst of the sinful cities. My friends, this Lent, let your love be abundant and unconditional, and your offerings of time, talent and resources be the genuine articles.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, we learn that Abraham’s relationship to you was not something he earned; it came because “He (Abraham) believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Help me live a life of genuine faith every day. Amen.

Pastor Dave