Martha and I are working diligently this week to pack up the belongings of our house to move to Hardin, KY. With every item that goes into a box (or the trash) our house becomes just a little bit emptier. We’ve moved a few times already in our marriage, and we both agree on this point: There’s nothing like leaving behind an empty house.
If you’ve ever left behind an empty house, you know that no matter whether you had good times or bad times while living in it, it seems that there’s a part of your life left behind. It’s just sad to see it empty. After all, houses are made to become homes, with laughter, sounds, smells, and the warmth that comes from the love being shared under its roof. There’s just nothing like leaving an empty house.
As I reflect on this thought, my mind naturally goes to some other things that are sad sights when they are empty. A few weeks ago I was photographing a wedding at a rather large denomination’s building (which shall remain unnamed). I noticed that they had a grand baptismal pool, on its own platform to “stage-right”, and it was elevated above everything else. What does that initially make you think? This thing is important!
It ought to be, because my Bible teaches me that baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), is part of the admission into the kingdom of Heaven (John 3:5), washes away sin (Acts 22:16), is the likeness of Christ’s burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4), and as we can see as plain as day in 1 Peter 3:21, saves us! That’s pretty important!
But as I walked around in the balcony, I noticed that the lid on this grand pool was cracked a little. I couldn’t help but sneak a peek. Guess what. It was empty. What message is that sending? If the Ethiopian eunuch showed up there, what would he have thought (cf. Acts 8:35-39)?
There are just some things that are awful when they are empty.
A lot of people attempting to wear the name “Christian” are living their lives with an empty faith. They will sing songs on Sunday about loving God, but live the rest of the week like they hate him. Maybe that’s why many people on the outside look at Christianity as being a lot of talk, and no action. When I look around at the greater world of Christendom I can almost understand why. That’s in stark contrast to what we read in 1 Peter 1:13. I like the ESV’s rendering in this case:
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Christians are people of action. We don’t just think our faith, we set our minds on it to live it. We’re always prepared to live it, and to share it with others (1 Peter 3:15). True Christians are people of action. Their words and faith are not empty.
As a closing thought, realize that there’s no reason for a Christian’s faith to be empty. Paul writes the following in 1 Corinthians 15:14:
“And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.”
But the point is this: Christ is risen! The very foundation of our trust in God stands! Knowing this, will you find motivation to put weight to your words today? Knowing the basis of your faith is real, will you fill it up? Because the tomb was empty, your faith can be full!
Matthew 28:8 NKJV
“So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word…”
~Daniel Howell
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