Earlier today, I was meditating on the first half of Hebrews 11 and I couldn't help but feel amazed that no matter how many times I've gone through these passages, there's always something new.

I think many of you would agree that when asked what faith is, the first thing that comes to mind would be Hebrews 11:1. However, beyond the "textbook meaning" of faith, what is it with faith that God clearly emphasized that without faith, it is impossible to please Him? Do you think believing in God perfectly encapsulates what faith is?

As I was pondering those questions to myself, I started gravitating towards three notable characters in Hebrews 11: Abel, Cain, and Enoch.

Cain and Abel

The story of Cain and Abel is one of my favorites. However, I have to confess that for so many years I was looking at it the wrong way. Instead of seeing how they exercised their faith before God, I was focused on their deeds. Abel brought a better offering to God than Cain. Okay, I need to make sure that what I give to God must be worth a lot, it should be something that means a lot to me. Well, you can give something like that to God and it would still not glorify Him. Why? Let us go back to the importance of faith.

Earlier, I mentioned the emphasis that "without faith it is impossible to please God." Not just difficult but outright impossible. Technically, both Abel's and Cain's offerings were pretty good. However, the main and very important detail is the reason why they were offering something.

While the effort may be commendable, the moment we do things not bounded by our personal relationship with the Lord (i.e faith) is the moment we are starting to rely on works. God is not impressed with grandeur but what he wants from us is the right heart. So let us learn to ask ourselves, "why am I doing this?" Is it because I know this is what God wants me to do or because this is something that seems right?

Enoch

I was and still am amazed with how Enoch lived his life. One very important detail that I would like to emphasize is that Enoch walked with God. Really. Enoch exemplified what it means to staying away from random places doing some random things. Instead, he stayed where he should be – at the center of God's will. Isn't it pretty obvious that God was pleased with him?

At the end of the day, faith is not about a simple definition. It's not a particular action. It's not fireworks. It's not belief. Faith is doing things based on what God wants for us. Faith is about knowing who God is and committing to surrendering our lives to Him knowing with full confidence that He delivers. We live according to who He is not according to who we are or the people/circumstances around us.