“And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.”–Luke 18:42–43
The core of Napoleon’s army was an elite force known as the Old Guard. These veteran soldiers were selected from those who had shown the most skill and courage in battle. The members of “The Immortals” as they were known across Europe took great pride in their reputation that they had never lost a battle. The story goes that at one point when the enemy forces were gaining ground, Napoleon told his trumpeter to sound retreat. The young man drew himself up to his full height and replied, “I don’t know that bugle call!” Instead he played the charge. The men, thinking reinforcements were on the way moved forward with new spirit and won the battle.
We most often think of faith as a personal matter, and it is that. But it is more—our faith, or our lack of faith, impacts those around us in powerful ways. When one man refuses to give in to doubt, others are encouraged to believe. When one woman refuses to give in to temptation, others are encouraged to do right. When one church attempts to do great things for God in faith, others are challenged to renew their efforts to reach the lost and make disciples.
The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Paul reminds us, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself” (Romans 14:7). Everything that we do has an impact on those around us. When we are faithful and see God work in our lives, it both honors and glorifies Him, and it serves as an inspiration and example to others of what He is able to do for them if they will walk in faithful obedience.–“Daily in the Word”
