The world in which we live seems destined to question faith. The educational system, the entertainment industry and the media are predominantly materialistic and undermine divine principles and the Bible. Everything — science, philosophy, history — is reduced to what is physically perceptible. The result is predictable and obvious: few know what God expects of us. Even fewer are willing to let Him influence their lives.

In our materialistic society it is difficult for non-believers to embrace genuine, active faith in the God of the Bible. Such people lack the faith described in the Bible because they do not believe in Jesus' words and therefore do not live by them: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Most people cannot even list the Ten Commandments correctly!

This becomes a problem, because faith means much more than just lip service. It is an obligation and it entails proof of that obligation. James asks the rhetorical question: "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?" (James 2:14). Without faith, for example, one will stumble over the Sabbath commandment in our materialistic society, as can be seen from some reader questions: "How can one keep the Sabbath when there is shift work or in our service oriented society?"

Just because something is difficult to obtain does not mean that it is impossible — especially not with God. The apostle Paul says: "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32). God gives us this faith through His holy spirit. And God gives us the holy spirit when we obey Him (Acts 5:32).

To have faith means to be absolutely sure that the same God who keeps our planet in its orbit also wants to direct our personal world. This faith gives us inner peace, confidence and hope for an eternal, bright future.

The Bible promises that some people will possess this valuable character trait when Christ returns (Revelation 14:12). We want to be part of that group. That's why we heed the words of the apostle Paul: "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!