Sinclair Ferguson’s observations here from John Owen on the Christian Life are full of incredible insight. The quotes are from Owen:
Every Christian lives by faith. The Christian character is not recognized by the degree of faith, but by its presence.
The growth of character will, however, inevitably be related to and dependent on the growth of faith. Weak faith will carry a man to heaven, “yet it will never carry him comfortably nor pleasantly thither . . . the least true faith will do its work safely, though not so sweetly.” Since “a little faith gives a whole Christ,” “others may be more holy than he, but not one in the world is more righteous than he.”
“The most imperfect faith will give present justification, because it interests the soul in a present Christ. The lowest degree of true faith gives the highest completeness of righteousness (Col 2:10). You, who have but a weak faith, have yet a strong Christ.”
But according to the example of Abraham, strong, or developed faith, brings glory to God. The character of a Christian therefore develops in proportion to his faith.
Excellent points. The weakest faith in Christ is sufficient to save, but the stronger your faith, the more pleasant your journey through life will be (pleasant = not free of suffering, but content in Christ) and the greater your character will develop.
Character develops in proportion to our faith. To grow in character, grow in faith. And to grow in faith, trust God to act on your behalf more and more in your daily life.