faulty faith

A real danger for young people is faulty faith because their brains haven’t fully developed. This immature judgment is a leading reason why young people often make terrible decisions, and why every military in the world prefers to recruit young people.

Case in point, when I was in high school, a bunch of us went to a coal strip pit that was well known as a fun place to swim. The hole was very deep and mostly surrounded by high cliffs. So, it was a requirement that every boy jump from a cliff into the water. This “rite of passage” was incredibly stupid, and some people seriously injured by this activity. But, as I said, we were young.

Anyway, I hung back until several of my friends had survived, then it was my turn. Because I had evidence of being able to withstand the dive, I ran and jumped off the cliff. Yes, just like my parents had asked so many times, “If you see everyone else jumping off of a cliff, are you going to?” My answer was, “yes.” I am that stupid.

I lived and was uninjured from that adventure but the dive educated me. I had made my decision upon faulty faith. Today, I’d like us to consider steadfast faith. Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines “faith” this way: Faith is, in general, the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true (Philippians 1:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Its primary idea is trust. A thing is true, and therefore worthy of trust. 

We know from the book of Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is the substance. It’s like the asphalt of a road or the guidance from an old farmer giving you directions when you’re lost. Faith carries a promise and certifies a thing as trustworthy. If I take this metaphor a bit further, faith is not you, it’s not your car, it is the road that promises to take you where you need to be.

The road we travel, as followers of Jesus, may take us through desolate places (Luke 5:16 ESV). We may be afflicted and perplexed (2 Corinthians 4:8 ESV). And, we may pass through many tests (James 1:3). This road we are traveling is the road of faith in Jesus Christ our Savior. So, you should be confident that you’re going make through every obstacle in our way.

Look at the promise Jesus gave to Martha in John 11:25 (ESV): Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,” Jesus was saying to Martha, “Trust me. Take my road, and you will live.”

So, whatever situation you’re in, be it well or travail, if you’ve placed your faith in Jesus and have been reborn, then all will be well with you. Receive the peace that Jesus gives. Do the work Jesus assigns to you. Participate in your local church. Give abundantly. Be ready, in a moment’s notice to tell the reason for the hope that you have. Rejoice with those that rejoice. Mourn with those that mourn. Enjoy your adventure.

Photo by Carl Cerstrand on Unsplash

You may like:
https://rockexcavationservice.org/2019/05/07/science-and-faith/