Thoughts on Faith
Hope you are challenged by Dietrich Bonhoeffer's writings.
First obey, do the external works, let go of what binds you, give up what is separating you from God's
will! Do not say; I do not have the faith for that. You will not have it so long as you remain
disobedient, so long as you will not take the first step. Do not say, I have faith, so I do not have to take
the first step. You do not have faith, because and so long as you will not take that first step. Instead,
you have hardened yourself in disbelief under the appearance of humble faith. It is an evil excuse to
point from inadequate obedience to inadequate faith, and from inadequate faith to inadequate
obedience. It is the disobedience of the "faithful" if they confess their unbelief where their obedience is
required and if they play games with that confession (Mark 9:24). You believe - so take the first step! It
leads to Jesus Christ. You do not believe - take the same step; it is commanded of you! The question of
your belief or unbelief is not yours to ask. The works of obedience are required and must be done
immediately. The situation is given in which faith becomes possible and really exists.
BONHOEFFER for THURSDAY
February 22, 2007
Stepping into Faith
Jesus says to anyone who uses their faith or lack of faith to excuse their acts of disobedience to his call:February 22, 2007
Stepping into Faith
First obey, do the external works, let go of what binds you, give up what is separating you from God's
will! Do not say; I do not have the faith for that. You will not have it so long as you remain
disobedient, so long as you will not take the first step. Do not say, I have faith, so I do not have to take
the first step. You do not have faith, because and so long as you will not take that first step. Instead,
you have hardened yourself in disbelief under the appearance of humble faith. It is an evil excuse to
point from inadequate obedience to inadequate faith, and from inadequate faith to inadequate
obedience. It is the disobedience of the "faithful" if they confess their unbelief where their obedience is
required and if they play games with that confession (Mark 9:24). You believe - so take the first step! It
leads to Jesus Christ. You do not believe - take the same step; it is commanded of you! The question of
your belief or unbelief is not yours to ask. The works of obedience are required and must be done
immediately. The situation is given in which faith becomes possible and really exists.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer -
from Discipleship 66-67
from A Year with Dietrich Bonhoeffer Carla Barnhill, Ed., HarperSan Francisco, 2005
from Discipleship 66-67
from A Year with Dietrich Bonhoeffer Carla Barnhill, Ed., HarperSan Francisco, 2005
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