Faith is not every person's thing

“For all men have not faith.” This is such a loose and flaky saying, as if I am saying “Not all men swim”, or “Not all men dance”. And actually this is also quite normal as not every one is interested in everything and no-one can be an expert in all things. Our world consists of many opposites: Football or tennis, modern art or Rembrandt, smokers and non-smokers, musical or not musical, early birds or not a morning person, believers or unbelievers... But wait! Precisely here it becomes critical. Are we not getting suspicious here? Believers or unbelievers are on the same level as tea or coffee drinkers? That won't do. One must believe? - Yes, that's what I believe too, but some don't believe this and therefore Paul says: “For all men have not faith”. This is rather a description of a person's condition rather than a reason analysis. Paul already recognised then what we see clearly today. The faith in Jesus Christ is not without controversy.

“Not everyone has faith”, one can resign oneself to this and continue with the daily agenda. But, the Apostle Paul is not satisfied with this condition. He writes in verse one: “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you”. This is a calling to missions – and isn't it true that Germany has become a missions country? But, if this is so, then surely it is also a commission for us to be an example of living Christianity to our fellow men? Admittedly, faith is perhaps not a thing for everyone, but all people are God's creation – even if some may have forgotten it, repressed it, or denied it. We as Christians are called to show our fellow men how beautiful and liberating it can be to walk in the love of God and be a child of God, in response to God's love in patience and trust. If we continue to be an example to others as Christians, then they may recognize through us and our lives, that faith may not be everyone's thing, but faith is available for every man, every woman and every child. My wish for every person is that God will plant this trust and faith in our hearts.

Joseph Gehr