Five Steps to a Dynamic Faith.
By Janet Stobie
Our new kitchen island came with an instruction manual, and all the pieces numbered. Neither Tom nor I has natural ability to put things together, but we can read. We felt sure we could complete this project. The courier helped Tom lug the three boxes containing two hundred and fifty pounds of wood and metal up to our living room. I travelled to London for a sisters’ visit while Tom completed the assembly. Putting it together involved some mistakes and some faulty material, but Tom had the Manual. Today, our solid cherry wood kitchen island stands proudly in our kitchen.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had a “Do It Yourself Manual” for our Christian faith?
Well, we do. It’s called the Bible. Our problem is the Bible is mighty big and cumbersome and contains some words we don’t understand. Besides, it’s a collection of stories, not clear instructions. Consequently, many avoid the Bible.
Since today’s young people turn to the computer for everything, I decided to try “Google” as a short cut bypass for the Bible. I summarized Google’s information into the following five suggestions.
- Read the Bible, especially the stories of Jesus.
- Pray as though you believe.
- Join a Christian group for support. Church is the easiest.
- Take action to love and care for others.
- Be patient. God’s free gift of faith will come.
Even Google starts with “Read the Bible”. There are no short cuts to faith. Commitment and desire are foundational. Over my lifetime, I have learned that faith in God gives me an amazing basis for living. On the days when fear is running rampant in my mind, when exhaustion wracks my being, when pain is overwhelming, I know God is my anchor, my strength, my support.
Try the five steps. Pick up the Manual. God will welcome you to a life of faith.
“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24, NIV)