Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

Hebrews 11:1-2, NIV

Faith. It's beauty and value are ever before us. It's true that many have misrepresented the faith of the Bible, but the truth is that faith is readily understood to anyone who takes the time to explore this vital part of our Christian life. Your readings during the past three and a half weeks have revealed things about faith that you may not have thought about much before. And in Hebrews chapter 11, we have one of the most complete discussions of faith given within the entire Word of God.

Hebrews 11 begins with what faith is - a confident hope and an assurance of the things that cannot readily be seen with our physical sight. It is a belief in everything that God tells us, and this belief will lead to action for God. We know that these works that are the logical result of faith are not what saves us, but we do not see any examples of righteous men and women who did not combine their belief with action.

We are told in this chapter that without faith it is impossible to please God, so we would do well to pay close attention to the discussion of faith that follows. In this chapter we read of "Faith's Hall of Fame", with one example after another of the faithful men and women of God who lived before us. We read in each instances of the things that they did as a result of their faith. Note that their actions were not an attempt to save themselves by their own merit; rather, these works were a proof of their faith. Just as a person with life his body will show signs of that life, a person of faith cannot hide that faith for their actions will reveal it.

Our faith is a vital part of our service to God, and therefore a vital part of God's salvation plan. The actions that came from the champions of faith that we read about in this chapter serve as an encouragement to people of faith for all time. We are not misled into thinking that these works will save us, but neither can we falsely assume that we can be pleasing to God without these proofs of faith. It is impossible to please God without faith, and it is impossible to live a life of faith without efforts so great and so constant that others can readily see and be inspired to live a life of faith themselves.

The heroes of faith could not hide that faith if they tried. And, by their conduct, they inspire us to works of faith that will allow us to live a full and pleasing life to our Father in Heaven. Just as the visible evidence of faith inspires us, our loving implementation of faith will inspire those who see our devotion to God. That's one of the great aspects of faith - it is contagious!

Today's reading is from Hebrews 5 through James 1. It is an inspirational reading, and one that is well worth our consideration and attention.