Most of us have seen the question asked in advertizing, with a picture of a glass filled half full with water. The answer to the question is a matter of individual perspective. What about God’s heroes in the faith?

In Hebrews 11, sometimes called the faith chapter, we find the names of our "elders" in the faith who "obtained a good testimony" (Hebrews 11:2). They believed God and set an example for us in our relationship with God.

The Bible doesn't tell us much about some of those heroes in the faith. It tells us a good bit about a few of them. But we know that they were all human and therefore were not perfect. We know that for sure about those who are described in more detail. We know that Abraham and Sarah tried to work out God’s promise of a son on their own instead of waiting on God. Jacob had his faults. Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land with his people because he dishonored God, and let's not even mention King David. And there were low points, too, in the lives of those heroes we don't know much about.

Looking at the lives of these "elders", you could ask the question "Half full or half empty?". You could also ask the same question about today's Christians, all of whom have not yet fully overcome sin (1 John 1:7-9).

We should put our trust in "princes" or heroes, because they are just men (Psalm 146:3). But we can rely on God working in the life of a person who has accepted God’s calling and is striving to serve God faithfully!

As God looks at the church of God, what is His answer to our question? He sees the church as a "glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:27).

When it comes to God's evaluation of those who choose to be led by His spirit, we are asking the wrong question. For Him the glass is completely full.

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!