I find it odd that we avoid certain aspects of biblical gospel centered Christianity. Usually this happens as a result of a segment of christianity abusing it. Faith is one of those things. I think people have misunderstood and have used faith to control and even wound others.
I want to blog a few posts about what I feel God has been speaking to me about faith. I think it’s important that we think through it processes it so we can pass it on to our kids. What a shame it would be that our kids miss out on what faith is and what it looks like because a small pocket of christians have turned Jesus into the genie from Aladin.
Here is what God has been rocking my world with the last couple of days.
“When is the last time I was in a place that if God didn’t come through for me I would be in trouble?”
Now I don’t believe that that statement is the complete essence of faith, but more of a faith check up. We tend to live in a safe place we can control which requires little to no faith. I want my kids to not only hear me talk about faith I want them so see what it is and what it isn’t.
Sam,
Thanks for tackling this. I agree with your assessment that "faith" has become a muddled concept today. As an abstract concept, I think kids have trouble with it to begin with. On top of that, the word has become so mis-defined (not sure that's a word) in our culture that it's no wonder that kids (and adults) struggle with it.
I think your question gets at the heart of demonstrable faith. Where were things so "bad" that the only way out was "faith?" That is something that can be seen and understood. This is an area all Christian should have some reverent fear in. The Bible says in Hebrews 11:6 that without faith it is impossible to please God. I want to please God, and in order to do that I have to understand the kind of faith that he requires.
I'll quit rambling now. 🙂 Looking forward to reading your future posts on this matter!
I remember this light that went on for me in seminary when I learned that faith was a verb in the original language. It wasn't something I could just "have"–it was something that I had to do!
I really hear your struggle about being in a safe place. What I've been praying about for the last few weeks is what it means to challenge folks to a deeper faith in the culture in which I do ministry. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
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