September 18

Morning

Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. — Gal 5:25 BSB

The two most important elements of our faith are the life of faith and the walk of faith. Understanding these two principles brings us close to mastering the Christian life, as they are essential to a true believer. You will never find genuine faith without true godliness, and you will never discover a truly holy life that doesn’t have faith in the righteousness of Christ as its foundation. Woe to those who seek one without the other!

There are those who focus on faith but neglect holiness. These individuals may pride themselves on their doctrinal correctness, but they will face deep condemnation, for they hold the truth without righteousness! On the other hand, some strive for holiness but deny the necessity of faith, like the Pharisees of old, whom Jesus described as “whitewashed tombs.” Both faith and holiness are essential. Faith is the foundation, and holiness is the building on top of that foundation. What good is a foundation without a structure? Can a person hide from a storm in a foundation alone? A building is needed for protection.

Similarly, we need the life of holiness built on the foundation of faith to provide comfort in times of doubt. But don’t pursue holiness without faith, for that would be like building a house with no foundation—it will not stand. Let faith and holiness be inseparable, like the two supports of an arch that hold it up. Together, they will make our spiritual life enduring. Like light and heat from the same sun, they are full of blessing. Like the two pillars of a grand temple, they are for glory and beauty. They are two streams from the fountain of grace, two lamps lit with holy fire, two olive trees nourished by heavenly care. O Lord, grant us life within today, and may it reveal itself outwardly for Your glory.

Evening

My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. — John 10:27 BSB

We should follow our Lord as obediently as sheep follow their shepherd, for He has the right to lead us wherever He pleases. We are not our own; we were bought with a price. Let us acknowledge the authority of the redeeming blood. Just as a soldier follows his captain and a servant obeys his master, we must follow our Redeemer, for we are His possession.

We are not truly faithful to our Christian calling if we question the directions of our Leader. Submission is our duty, and resisting is foolish. Often, our Lord could say to us what He said to Peter: “What is that to you? Follow Me.” Wherever Jesus leads, He goes before us. We may not know where we are headed, but we know with whom we are traveling. With such a companion, why should we fear the dangers of the road? The journey may be long, but His everlasting arms will carry us to the end.

The presence of Jesus guarantees our eternal salvation. Because He lives, we will live also. We should follow Him with simple faith, knowing that every path He leads us on ends in glory and immortality. It’s true that the path may not always be smooth. It may be covered with sharp trials, but it leads to “a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth to those who keep His covenant.”

Let us trust our Leader completely, knowing that whether we face prosperity or adversity, health or sickness, popularity or contempt, His purpose for us will be fulfilled, and it will be for our ultimate good. We will find more joy walking the rough side of the hill with Christ than sitting by the world’s warm fires. Whether to the top of the mountain, the dens of lions, or the hills of leopards, we will follow our Beloved. Precious Jesus, draw us to Yourself, and we will run after You!