“Works are simply a natural part of faith. James’s
statement is about the inherent nature of faith, about what makes it up. It
concerns what believing something really amounts to. It is not an exhortation
to prove that one has faith or to work
to keep one’s faith alive.” (The
Spirit of the Disciplines, 38)
I am in anguish as I write this because Christianity has
become something that if we believe all the right things about God then we are
saved from hell. Yet, these very people, my neighbors, my co-workers, my fellow
church people walk around in utter despair. They are living in hell right here,
right now. I see it all to often people know all the right things but lack
power of faith. Faith is something that should invigorate us. The power of
faith should compel us in every aspect of our lives. Faith should bring us
hope. It should bring joy to our hearts. It should cause us to want to work
harder, to learn more, to love our neighbors, to become the best spouses and
parents. Faith should cause us to listen more intently, to laugh so hard that
our belly’s hurt, our eyes water, and our cheeks hurts. Faith should make us
come ALIVE!
Willard posits, “The human body was made to be a vehicle of
human personality ruling the earth for God and through his power. Withdrawn from
that function by loss of its connection with God, the body is caught in the
inevitable state of corruption in which we find it now.” (42)
We have become so caught up in learning about God that we have lost our
connection to him. The power that comes with faith is no longer because we have
equated “more education” about God equals more intimacy. One famous church
father, Augustine, said, “our hearts are restless until we find rest in God”.
(Confessions) May we desire a connection with God in all that we do. May our
faith be overflowing with power and substance. May we never settle for anything
less than Jesus. May our spirits be a in touch with the great Spirit.
I have hope that all this may come to be. I know that I
need the church to grow in a powerful faith. I need my sisters and brothers in
Christ to walk along side of me as I learn to become like Jesus, giving myself
to the greatest faith I have ever experienced.
Great post my friend. Your Willard reference reminded me of how he once defined faith: "Confidence grounded in reality. It sees the reality of the unseen or invisible, and it includes a readiness to act as if the good anticipated in hope were already in hand because of the reality of God." This "readiness to act" has kept my imagination and life full and alive ever since i started following the fellowship of the Trinity. May His kingdom come in Spokane...:)
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