Christian Living

Vertical and Horizontal Faith

by paul hoffmaster
10/23/22
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The word Faith is probably the most misunderstood word in the Christian vocabulary.  Many people address Faith as a noun.  Faith is incorrectly used as an expression of what one believes.  Hospital admittance forms usually ask, “What Faith are you?”  People respond by stating they are Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, or have no religious affiliation.  Faith is not a title that defines worship preference.  Today, Faith is used as a marginal word that opens the door to endless possibilities.  The problem is it usually centers on the bounds of one’s senses.  It seems Faith is the source that determines whether we achieve the desires and “wants” of our lives.  People define Faith as a horizontal manifestation in which our prayers are answered.  How should we look at Faith?

Faith brings us into a conscious encounter with God.  Everything starts and ends with God.  For Christians to claim the benefits of the Kingdom, they must first realize that Faith is a VERB!  It is an action based on obedience to God’s Word.  Faith is hearing what God is saying and then acting on what was read and heard.  In the Book of Hebrews, there is a section that lists the names of Biblical characters of Faith.  These “action figures” illustrated their Faith by physically displaying their commitment.  Faith is not a comfortable ride through the clouds of blessings; rather, it can be a testing to the very core of what one confesses.

I believe one of the greatest illustrations of living Faith was Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son as a burnt offer on a mountain in the land of Moriah.  After God commanded Abraham to slay his son, he and Isaac, with two others, journeyed three days to the place God had chosen for the sacrifice.  Can you imagine what those three days must have been like for Abraham?   Naturally, we could build a scenario highlighting what a father would be thinking, but Abraham was not an ordinary father.  He was so confident of the promises of God that nothing could shatter his Faith.  God had told him that “In Isaac shall thy seed be called.” (Hebrews 11:18)  Abraham did not flinch, for if he killed his son, God would raise him up or He would be a liar.  (Reference Genesis 22:1-19)

Today, Faith is used as a convenient word that illustrates a belief based on Faith as a noun.  Do not misunderstand what I am saying.  We must have Faith to open the door to the supernatural, but unless we traverse that doorway by actions, our Faith will just be words.  Faith accepts the Word.  Faith promotes the Word.  Faith illustrates the Word.  Faith opens our eyes to our Creator and His Son.  Faith brings us to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

We must take that Faith and illustrate it with action!  It is one thing to say, but another thing to do!  The Faith I am talking about is directed Heavenly while at the same time displayed earthly.  Faith and Works are important to understanding Biblical principles, while Faith and Commitment are important to a spiritual relationship.

There is a difference between vertical and horizontal Faith and the sooner we realize it, the quicker our spiritual growth will be experienced.