Monday Memo 1220: Faith Is The Foundation
Several weeks ago, we started a new series on getting back to the basics of your creative purpose. For me, there are five what I call Goldmine Principles you must apply if you want to lead a productive life: purpose, creativity, goal setting, time management, and faith. Of the five, faith is the foundation for spiritual growth and purpose. Without faith, none of the other Principles are effective. We can't please God or step into the fullness of the works He has prepared for us without faith.
Hebrews 11 gives us many examples of men and women who accomplished great things for God—not because of their strength, wisdom, or creativity alone, but because of their faith. If that was the key to their success in the Lord, then you can be sure it is yours as well.
Consider this: Noah built an ark by faith (Hebrews 11:7). Abraham left his homeland by faith (Hebrews 11:8). Sarah conceived by faith (Hebrews 11:11). Each act of purposeful obedience flowed from trust in God’s promises. Your creative purpose also requires faith, because God calls you to go beyond what you can see and do in your own strength—and faith causes you to function in what you cannot see until you can see it and it becomes a reality. Like a seed that must trust the soil to grow, your purpose requires faith to flourish. As Paul declared, “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Faith is connected to creativity. Hebrews 11:3 reminds us, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command.” Creation itself was an act of God’s word, received by faith. And because you are made in His image, your creativity is meant to operate in the same atmosphere of faith—trusting that God will bless the work of your hands as you align it with His will. I write by faith; I travel by faith; I speak by faith; I trust God for the resources (time, money, and ideas) to do it all. And at 75 years of age, I'm trusting God for one more day, for energy, for health, and for clarity of thought to function as He created me to do.
Jesus constantly emphasized the connection between faith and purpose. Many times I have written about John 14:12 where He told His disciples, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” Faith activates the works God intends and leads to results, not just good intentions. God is looking for fruit, not excuses.
I’ve often written and taught about faith but more importantly, I’ve lived by faith—not perfectly but with it uppermost in my mind as I make ministry, life, and business decisions. I've had to confront—and I'm still confronting my fears—which attack and weaken my faith. I invite you to not talk about, study, or debate faith, but rather to live it so that you too can enjoy the fruit of a life that is based on faith and then produces Kingdom fruit.
Reflection Questions
- What step of faith has God recently asked you to take toward your purpose?
- What is your faith fruit? What evidence do you have that God is working in and through your creative purpose?
- Where is unbelief or fear keeping you from stepping into your next level of growth?
Prayer
Lord, increase my faith. Help me to trust You not just with my salvation but with my calling, creativity, and daily work. Remind me that without faith it is impossible to please You, but with faith, nothing is impossible. Let my steps be marked by confidence in Your promises. Amen.
Application
This week, read Hebrews 11 in its entirety. Write down one example that inspires you most, and following their example, identify one step of faith you can take in your own creative purpose journey.