Example Of Faith

Example of Faith

Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.

Hebrews 11:4

During July, winter grains are threshed and oats are cut. Corn has tassels and hay crops are harvested. This is the ideal lot for an Amish man. The Amish don’t believe you need to live and work on a farm to be godly, but they do believe the two are related:

In the past, most children learned to be Amish in the context of the farm. Farming reinforced the core values of hard work, simplicity, and separation from the world. “Besides,” said an Amish farmer, “cities are dangerous and destructive. After Cain killed Abel, the Bible says that he went and founded a city. The country is the place to live and raise a family.”

“Time will tell how we Amish will do as a society,” said a young business owner. “This generation is the first in which most of the children and youth have grown up off the farm.” Kraybill contends that the occupational shift to business poses the most serious challenge to historic Amish values and visibility.

What are your concerns for the next generation? You may worry about violence, inappropriate media, or a lack of respect. No matter where youth live today, they are dealing with the challenge of constant change—they just don’t realize it. What we see as a downward shift in values and beliefs, they see as normal.

What do young people need most today? Is it to live on a farm? Is it better media, better schools, or better examples? No, what they need is a better faith. Abel is the example of that. His right living speaks long after he’s gone.

We may long to shield our children—to tuck them away and surround them with the values of old—but it’s faith that will guard their hearts. When the youth of today have faith in God, they will set appropriate boundaries and pursue right living. As with most issues, what’s on the inside is more important than what’s on the outside.

Dear heavenly Father, I pray for the young people in my life. I pray for a greater faith. I pray that You will give them inner strength that is able to overcome all that’s without.