tioned earlier who were flooding the streets , cloaked in sincerity as they destroyed private property , flagrantly disrespected themselves , their families , and our Lord . I once read a passage about this very thing . On Finding Faith , the author states ,
“ They couldn ’ t mean it would be okay for sincere religious fundamentalists to control the lives of millions through sincere intimidation , censorship , legislation , or threats of violence .” They couldn ’ t mean that it would be fine with them for parents who believe that life is meaningless to raise their children with a nihilistic philosophy of life , freely offering their children drugs , for example , or allowing them to experiment with vandalism and violence , not caring about their education or motivation , abandoning any pretense of teaching moral guidelines , since they sincerely believe that nothing really matters ”
What about the sincerity ? What about the truth they are so willing to abandon for their own lack of failed principles ? As McLaren stated , “ Right faith that isn ’ t good faith isn ’ t really right faith .”
Consider the actions you have seen on television and in the news . When you believe in what you are doing , but you do it in an ugly or inappropriate way , then your whole concept is fundamentally wrong . How can you justify your practicing good faith to someone who has spent many growing years witnessing those they love and trust as an example of bad faith ? These are the people you meet who ask ,
“ What is good faith , and how long does it last ?” “ What is it for , and if you call yourself a Christian , then where are you when I need you the most ?”
Do these people have validity in how they feel , or do they carry a chip on their shoulder ? Do you as a Christian owe them this justification ? Let ’ s consider “ the faith need ” and how important it is to have spiritual faith ; a relationship that is between you and the Lord , and between them and the Lord . Who are we to interfere ? We are making daily decisions at a time when the laws of man are looked upon as the standard . We have even had a scriptural warning in the Book of Isaiah , Chapter 5 , Verse 20 :
“ Evil , error , and darkness will never be truth , even if popular - “ Woe unto them that call evil good , and good evil ; that put darkness for light , and light for darkness .”
As we face the persecution of others because we are Christians , remember this world is complicated . These problems are because we are all sinners . We are all imperfect people , many who do not feel that Christianity has any part in this modern world of ours . Their world is guided by their lack of faith ; many blame religion as the cause of the problems of the world . We need to look to the Lord for guidance . I wanted my students to have faith in their ability so that I would tell them during testing that they could look up for inspiration , down in desperation , but not side to side for information . I guess that is true in life as well .
Your trust should be in the Lord , not in fear of what could happen . This trust and faith grows as we read scripture , as we pray , as we learn more about God , and as we live for through him by the relationship we create through prayer . The point of prayer is not to pray to receive wonderful things from God , but it ’ s the closeness , and it ’ s the knowing that God says no because HE loves you , and HE knows what is best for you . It ’ s having faith that Jesus gave HIS life for you and your sins . It ’ s so much better than granting you three wishes . Secure your faith in God by exercising it to keep the fear away , be persistent and pray .
Dear Heavenly Father ,
This world is currently filled with unhappy , disappointed , and fearful people . WE need you to change these people for your sake , Lord . We need them to call for you . Only you can transform us . Use this adversity to transform me in the way you want me to be , into the person you want me to be .
Amen .