What does it mean to walk by faith not by sight?

The phrase "walk by faith not by sight" comes from 2 Corinthians 5:6-7, which says, "So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight." This is the ESV translation; other versions use the word "live" instead of "walk." Either way, it means the same thing. "Walk" is a metaphor for the way a person lives his or her life. (Like how "all walks of life" refers to a variety of different lifestyles or cultures.)

Perspective for the Unseen

The apostle Paul is telling us that we should live our lives by our faith in God and His Truth, both of which are unseen—both of which have eternal significance depending on what we do with them. Instead of chasing after the same things the world pursues, a Christian should focus on the unseen realities such as Jesus, Heaven, morality, purity, and the consequences of sin. Then he continues to explain what walking by faith means:

"So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please [God]. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." —2 Corinthians 5:9-10

Before Paul said anything about this, Jesus was telling people to store up "treasures in Heaven" (Matthew 6:19-20; Luke 12:33). He promises eternal rewards to everyone who does His will (Matthew 16:27; 1 Peter 1:17; Revelation 22:12) and eternal punishment for those who reject Him (Matthew 25:24-46; John 3:16-18).

These are both concepts that we can't see until after we die, but then it will be too late to make a decision about it. To walk by faith means that you recognize these unseen things as reality and live your life with the belief in eternal consequences/rewards in mind. You have faith in their existence, so your words and actions will reflect your acceptance of these unseen things being a reality.

Obeying God Before the World

"We must obey God rather than men." —Acts 5:29

To walk by faith means that you believe and obey the Bible's commands before humanity's cultural demands and commands. To walk by faith means that you choose righteousness over sin—no matter what the cost. To walk by faith means that you trust God in every circumstance—rather than going by your own wisdom. To walk by faith means that you believe God rewards those who seek Him—no matter what anyone else tells you (Hebrews 11:6).

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." —Romans 12:2

Rather than loving the things of this world (1 John 2:15–16), Christians should spend their lives glorifying God in everything they do (1 Corinthians 10:31). The only way we can do this is to have faith in the things of God that we cannot see, hear, or touch—those spiritual things that can only be believed in your heart.

"Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen... And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." —Hebrews 11:1, 6

Living on the Foundations of God's Truth

When we base our lives on the truth of God’s Word, rather than what the world is telling us to do, we are going against our natural fears and desires and CHOOSING to believe in what we can't physically see—God and His Truth.

For example, let's say you were given $1,000 and had to decide what to do with it. The world would say that it is totally acceptable to keep it all to yourself because the world encourages selfishness (Romans 3:10-18). But if you were to "live by faith" in biblical truth, you would choose to give some or all of it to those in need (Luke 11:41; Ephesians 4:28) and not horde it like a dragon. Though you never personally saw the Bible being written, you can have faith that it is God's Truth.

Another example: The world's conventions may say that sex before marriage is perfectly fine. But those who walk by faith base their standards on the Bible, which says any sex outside of marriage is sin (1 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 5:3; Galatians 5:19). Walking by faith means that you CHOOSE to believe in what our unseen God says is best for our lives—rather than believing the temptations of the flesh.

Basically, to walk by faith requires that we get really good at listening (and obeying!) the voice of the Holy Spirit and following the truth of God's Word (John 10:27; 16:13). When we're convicted of sin, we can choose to change (John 16:8). When we're tempted to say hurtful words, we can choose to uplift instead (or remain silent!). Live according to what God has revealed to us, rather than trusting our own understanding or what the world tells us to do (Proverbs 3:5–6).

"In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one..." —Ephesians 6:16

ALSO SEE: