What does faith cost?

We should recognize others who do not feel they have any reason to celebrate Thanksgiving as we enter the season of giving thanks. Because we live in a batter and sinful society, people may exploit horrific events for self-gain, such as follows: the shooting of innocent patrons at a parade, hatred crimes, early demises of loved ones, frequent divorce of married couples, hunger-stricken children, chronic illnesses, homelessness, joblessness, climate change, economic decline, global pandemic, to name a few. Amid such events, one may wonder how I can celebrate Thanksgiving. Yet, the most deliberate and appropriate question is, what does faith cost?

The Apostle Paul’s journey to Rome started in Caesarea, where his fellow Jews imprisoned him for sharing his faith that Jesus was the Messiah. After four months and traveling over 600 miles, he reached his destination of Rome, where he was placed under house arrest with a Roman soldier as a guard. His situation became even gloomier when he tried to convince the Roman Jews of his innocence, especially his faith, which recognized that the long-awaited Messiah was Jesus of Nazareth. What a disappointment, even after connecting the Scriptures with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, because the majority of Rome Jews failed to believe. When he penned his second letter to Corinth believers, he reminded them as follows:

Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again…29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

2 Corinthians 11:21-23,29 (NIV)

Yet, Paul never felt hopeless in all these unfortunate situations. When he was under house arrest for two years, he remained hopeful and wrote letters encouraging fellow believers. He penned these Scriptures – Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philippians. Paul looked for opportunities to spread his faith even when his situation seemed bleak. Likewise, we must understand that every problem we face is another opportunity for God to use us. As believers, we are the Salt of the Earth. When you think about salt, it adds flavor and value to food.

Furthermore, believers have a responsibility to impact society as salt does. As God sustains you with hope, every unfortunate situation provides an opportunity to add value. So, during this Thanksgiving season, look for opportunities to bring value to others, realizing that God has a long-term plan for you. During Paul’s house arrest, he penned epistles to encourage fellow believers. Just think of the void in the Scriptures if Paul failed to pen these epistles while imprisoned in Rome. In the same manner as Paul, we, too, have value despite our unfortunate circumstances. Remember, God has a long-term plan for an opportunity to bring value to His glory.

Finally, I realize that faith has a cost outwardly, but inwardly our faith provides hope and peace because Jesus sits in authority on the right hand of God the Father. So like salt, we must add value to our surroundings during this Thanksgiving season resulting in God’s glory.