The Uniqueness of the Christian Walk
A Journey of Faith
The Christian faith is a distinctive journey unlike any other because it rests firmly on belief, not on proof or physical evidence.
Christianity requires a person to have faith, embracing the unseen, and this reliance on belief is why followers of Christ are called "believers."
Unlike other philosophies or disciplines where seeing leads to believing, in Christianity, it is the act of believing that often leads to the experience of seeing God’s work in one’s life.
God essentially says, "Believe Me, and I will prove it to you."
This is a mystery of faith, and it requires a different perspective than what many are accustomed to.
Faith vs. Logic:
The Mystery of Belief
For those who don’t share the Christian faith, this approach may seem unwise or even illogical.
As the Apostle Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 2:14, a natural mind cannot understand the things of God’s Spirit. This faith, which may appear foolish to the world, is in fact part of God's plan.
As it says in 1 Corinthians 1:27, "God uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise."
One example is the belief in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, which defies natural explanation.
To unbelievers, it may seem implausible, but to Christians, it is a central part of their faith, accepted because they trust in God's word beyond human understanding.
Childlike Faith and the Kingdom of God
Jesus emphasizes the need for childlike faith, teaching that only those with a pure, trusting belief—like that of a child—will enter the kingdom of heaven.
This concept underscores the importance of simple, unconditional trust in God’s word, even when it defies human reason.
Many try to understand God logically, but this is impossible because, as Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, God’s thoughts and ways are beyond human comprehension.
A childlike faith is willing to believe without needing all the answers.
Avoiding Arguments and Showing God’s Power
Engaging in debates or arguments to defend Christianity rarely bears fruit. Paul’s instruction to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:23-25 to avoid such arguments highlights that the truth of God cannot be proven by logic alone.
Instead, the power of God is often the most compelling evidence. As 1 Corinthians 4:20 states, “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.”
The story of Elijah in 1 Kings 18 illustrates how a display of God’s power can prove His existence and authority far better than words alone.
Elijah’s reliance on God’s power to demonstrate the reality of God had a profound impact.
Similarly, Christians are called to show the presence of God through their actions and reliance on His Spirit, not by winning debates.
Letting the Holy Spirit Convict
Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit who convicts and converts.
After sharing the gospel with unbelievers, Christians are encouraged to pray for them and ask God to open their hearts.
Conversion is not achieved through persuasive arguments but through the work of God in each person’s heart.
When unbelievers witness the impact of faith and the reality of God’s power, they may be drawn to surrender to Him, often without needing further explanation.
Conclusion
The Christian walk is indeed unique and calls for a deep level of trust that can seem mysterious or even foolish to those without faith.
It is a journey that rests on belief rather than proof, childlike trust instead of logic, and a reliance on God’s power instead of arguments.
By focusing on a life that exemplifies God’s power and love, Christians can reflect the truth of their faith in ways that words alone cannot, trusting the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those around them.
Source: Open Heavens Devotional — Pastor E. A. Adeboye, RCCG
