Some Thoughts about Faith

http://www.waaytv.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?clipId1=4534248&flvUri=&partnerclipid=&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=Focus%20On%20Faith%3A%20Jerry%20Gleason&d1=149167&redirUrl=&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv&rnd=20112707

I saw this short story this morning and it got me to thinking about what faith really is, especially within the context of a biblical worldview.

A couple of disclaimers first:
1. I appreciate the focus channel 31 does on stories about faith. They are positive and encouraging.
2. I understand that channel 31 is a secular media outlet and, therefore, does not filter their stories through a biblical worldview. I have only seen a couple of these stories, so have little to judge the variety and overall focus of stories they do.

With that said, let me give you my thoughts as I watched this video.

I am impressed by the fact that a 71 year old man would even want to compete in a tri-athalon ironman race. His story and dedication are inspiring. I pray that I can have that kind of energy and ambition if I reach that age. He can serve as a role model for many who seek to remain physically fit and mentally motivated.

What struck me about this piece was the loose definition of faith. I know some would consider this nitpicking, but as a Christian I believe faith is more than a strong will or belief in just something. Faith is trusting in God’s Word and will for your life. Hebrews 11 is the most immediate place we go to gain an understanding of what faith is. Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” If scripture just left it at that then this story and many others would qualify as biblical faith, but the text goes on to explain that it is faith in God that really matters. The “ancients” were not commended for just believing in something, but believing in the one true, living God.

I have said before that everyone lives by faith. Faith in something-self, science, religion, government, family/relationships, etc.. Ultimately, if people are questioned about the basis for how or why they live as they do, they come to the point where they have to stake their thoughts and lives on something that is beyond their knowledge or control. As followers of Christ we build on the truth of God’s Word and the evidence of God in the world around us. We do not have a blind faith, but a logical, revealed faith.

This story on Jerry Gleason reminded me that many in our society have too broad of a definition of faith. In this story, they just say he has faith. Faith in something beyond himself, but they never seek to define or explain what that means. Again I take nothing away from this man and his dedication or the positive nature of this story, but as a Christian seeking to live a biblical worldview I am challenged to not slip into a secular understanding of true faith. The things of this world are fading and capricious. My physical body’s well being is temporal and uncertain. My faith must be tied to what is sure and true-the Creator of this universe.

One of the things that prompted me to write this is that the lead-in to this segment (what initially caught my eye) is a picture of praying hands with candles in the background. This makes me think of a spiritual focus on God. This story falls short of that standard based on my biblical worldview. I am not being critical of channel 31, but challenging you and me to consider what real faith is. What biblical, God honoring faith is.

My pray is that we will consistently take a discerning view of the world. We need to continually seek to understand the world around us and hone our faith in God. I believe God will engage our minds so He can change our hearts which will impact the way we live. We need to be diligent to never fall prey to the biggest lies or to the slightest deviation from true reality as defined by God.

May God receive all the glory and honor.