Lukewarm

Recently, many have asked me my views on anything from Gay Marriage, to abortion, to divorce, or even tattoos. I wanted to write a quick excerpt on how I answer these questions. I am no expert, but riding the line between Legalism, Timid Faith, and not standing up for your faith at all, is quite tricky as believers. We want people to appreciate our presence so that in the end, they may hear the gospel from our lips. Yet, we cannot sacrifice our beliefs, views, the Word, or His calling in front of worldly temptations just to be “well-liked”.

Here are some interesting definitions of which I am glad I now have clarity:

Legalism: Excessive adherence to law or formula, Or b) Dependence on moral law rather than on personal religious faith.

Faith: Belief that is not based on truth.

Testimony: a solemn attestation as to the truth of a matter.

These three Webster definitions seem pretty dark, don’t they? When we are confronted with a thought process that questions or shakes our faith, how do we respond? Do we hold fast to what has been taught from the pulpit in hopes that strong conservative mindsets will hold out? Do we simply have blind faith knowing that the Lord is alive in our lives but claiming there is no “proof”. Or, do we just speak our testimony hoping it “wins” the questioning person over without stepping on anyone’s toes? I seem to stick to number three…and is the fruit around me proving that this recent method has been effective? No. Instead, we must let the word speak for itself. Truth, is everlasting and Truth will stand. BUT, Truth is attached to grace and mercy-both of which are fulfilled in love and compassion. When we speak the truth in love and compassion, we must not worry about hurting a brother or sister in Christ, or a nonbeliever. Instead, we must cling to Child Like Faith-not blind faith-seeking the questions and answers from our Heavenly Father with fervent passion. That is what we were created for! To seek and know our Father! In addition, we must keep in mind that questions or pokes from seekers may move or shake our faith-this is not a negative consequence. This is where many people disagree with me. As believers are we supposed to be people that do not allow our faith to be vulnerable? Our faith should be open and expressed which allows it to be vulnerable, and allows it to evolve, mature and grow. This is far different than a question “jeapordizing” our faith. The only thing out faith should not be is fleeting in times of turmoil or subject to world or human emotions-FAITH is of the Most High.

When we are confronted with questions from believers, seekers, questioners, mockers, friends, family, or strangers, let us remember to stray away from legalism and harsh tones. Let us give more than our own testimony. Let us give the TRUTH-and not be afraid of its power! The earth may not agree with it, but its Power will stand. And, its Power will stand in Grace, Mercy, Love, and Compassion. This is something we can have child-like faith in, and leave up to God.

A beautiful depiction of faith: (Mark 5)
When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him.
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.
30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”

32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”