“That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate,
sound in faith…
The aged women likewise…
Titus 2:2a-3a
Let’s stop and consider this, “How sound is our faith?” Are we holding up spiritually amidst what’s going on around us? Is our faith helping us cope with the many trials we face in our relationships, health, jobs, and finances? Are we withstanding the winds of the current social and political climate while carrying the weight of everyday duties? If not, why not? What’s causing us to feel unsure, unsafe, unhealthy, or unsatisfied? How can we live soundly in this troubled world? Graciously, God has provided ways to find the stability and strength our faith needs.
Just like being “sober, grave, and temperate,” God instructs us to be “sound in faith.” That may sound difficult, when we’re feeble and feel like we’re standing on shaky ground, and it is.
Where Does Our Faith Stand
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and weak at times. Humans often doubt and question who or what to believe and why things are the way they are. I have.
What weakens our faith? In my experience, my faith falters because of lack of knowledge or fear of the unknown. What we don’t know may not hurt us, but it sure can distress and distract us. However, God doesn’t leave us stranded to face confusion, conflict or challenges alone.
He chooses to offer us sound faith. Let’s ponder what “sound” means:
Sound – Greek #5198. hugiaino,
from 5199; to have sound health, i.e. be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine):–be in health, (be safe and) sound, (be) whole(-some)
When we’re sound in faith, our health is better, our behavior is uncorrupt, and our doctrine is true. Makes sense that our faith would be stronger when we’re not stressing, trying to cover up corrupt behavior, or denying God’s truth.
Being Healthy in Our Body
Poor health can deplete our faith. Prolonged illness is taxing on the body. Without God’s intervention, successful treatments, support from others, and strength to cope, it’s hard to maintain sound faith through physical difficulties. Sound faith helps us manage chronic or short-term illnesses and a healthy body helps us have sound faith.
Being True in Our Doctrine
Another way to stay sound in our faith is to study, learn, know, and believe what true doctrine is. Here are some Scriptural tips for doing that:
- Hide God’s Word in your heart
- Meditate on God’s Word
- Study God’s Word
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart,
that I might not sin against thee.”
Psalm 119:11
“Meditate upon these things;
give thyself wholly to them;
that thy profiting may appear to all.”
1 Timothy 4:15
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15
Being sound in faith is a possible task that requires us to strive to be healthy and learn, live, and lean on God’s Word each day. Remember, the younger women are watching.
“And that from a child
thou hast known the holy scriptures,
which are able to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works.”
2 Timothy 3:15-17
Bring It Home
Are you feeling sound in your faith?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
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