Statement of (non)Faith

This weekend, I found out a friend of mine—a guy I'd gone on mission trips with, discussed Scripture with, and sat beside at church—had decided he no longer believed in God.

His declaration shocked and hurt me. Why, in the middle of his doubt, couldn't he talk to me or someone else he counted among his Christian friends? Why did he pull away from us all, shut us out, then make this declaration?

I don't know. Part of me says he didn't reach out to me because he didn't want to hear what I had to say; he didn't want to be talked out of this ultimate act of rebellion he'd already decided upon. Part of me wonders if I could have let God shine through me a little more—if my failures contributed to his denial.

These days, his name is the first one on my lips in all my prayers. And since he's open to discussing things with me, I feel I have a opportunity to let God work through me.

But this experience has reignited a deep desire in my heart, that you, the readers of ec, understand something that seems very simple. Faith does not equal church activity, involvement, or attendance. When I talk about faith, I'm not just talking about believing there is a God and going through the motions and practice of church. I'm talking about relationship.

Know God, not just about Him. Salvation is dependent upon a personal relationship with God. Without it, you're completely separated from Him. (Romans 3:23;6:23) To have that relationship, you have to believe that Jesus Christ is God's Son and accept Him as your Lord and Savior. You have to recognize that you are sinful and take responsibility for it, confessing your sin and seeking God's free gift of forgiveness. Then, your life should be different. Repent; turn away from the way you used to be and the sin that used to control with you. With Christ in you, you'll want to live differently. (Luke 13:3; Ephesians 5:8)

Own your faith. Grow in relationship with Him. Live it out, not just at church or among Christian friends, but in your real, everyday life. At school. At the grocery store. On the highway. At the basketball game. On the weekend. Online.

Make your faith known. Share your faith in your words, actions, and the way you treat others. Get involved in service ministries. Go on mission trips. Support mission work with your money, time, and talents. When God is at work in your life, you shouldn't be silent!

That's what ec is about—a real live faith. Live yours out today!