In his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul talks about our heavenly dwelling and the fact that these bone-weary bodies are merely temporary, because someday, we’ll have a homecoming beyond our wildest imaginations. And then, in 2 Corinthians 5:7, he adds, “For we live by faith, not by sight” (NIV). What does it mean, though, to really live by faith?

The Message translation explains that verse a little more clearly: “It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going.” Could you imagine how radically different our day-to-day lives would be if we truly put that verse into practice?

• What if you woke up in the morning and instead of groaning at the alarm clock as you fumble for the snooze button, you said “Good Morning!” aloud to God in genuine appreciation for being able to live another day?
• What if when payday rolls around, instead of looking at your check stub and thinking about all of the bills yet to pay, you first said a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s provision and faithfulness?

As a culture, we are pretty good at reversing 2 Corinthians 5:7; we trust in what we can see and think skeptically about anything we can’t bank on yet. That mindset runs contrary to the way God wants us to depend on him, though. If we lived day in and day out in unabashed faith in God, then wouldn’t it alter our perspective on life? It doesn’t do us any good to dwell on the could’ve-should’ve-would’ves in our past, any more so than it does to daydream (or worry) about the what-ifs in the future.

If we live each day as an opportunity to trust God with this life he has given us, then we will think differently about ourselves, our belongings, our behaviors and those around us. We might find that an attitude of grace, gratitude and generosity comes a little more naturally, because we desire to honor our Creator, not merely please our own whims.

The Holy Spirit has been called a Comforter, Advocate, Helper and Friend. What do these descriptions say about how much he loves you?

Perhaps the biggest gift you can give someone is to share your own faith story. Ask God to put someone on your heart who needs to hear it.

Like a servant, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet at dinner one evening. Think of one thing you can do today to serve someone else.

You may not have a big inheritance to leave when you die, but you can leave behind a spiritual legacy that is invaluable.

Have you ever heard someone say, “I would give anything to [do such-and-such]”? Christ gave it all, just to have a relationship with us.

When you feel lonely, abandoned, or even just frustrated, remember that the Holy Spirit is ever-present. Don’t try to carry it all yourself.

Jesus’ message in John 14 was directed to his disciples, but it was also meant for us. Read verses 15-21 & replace “you” with your name.