Fluid faith

At three this morning, I was pondering how faith must be forever expanding and fluid like a river bursting forth from its bank. If you’ve ever seen rushing water changing the landscape and flooding the topography with incredible force you know what I mean. Our faith should be powerful like that current, forever growing stronger and rearranging the reality of people lost in darkness with the great news of Jesus Christ! We should be shouting from the rooftops: “Our sins are forgiven! Our future secure! God sent us a Savior! Yahoo!”

What do I mean by fluid faith? Faith has to be tangible. I’m talking about that sparkle of hope that others see in us and want for themselves. We need to glow, not on our own account, but rather as a reflection of the one who radiates from within. We must be alive, vital and in love with our Lord so much so that he is bursting out from under our skin to touch and heal others.

The only way this reality will happen is when we begin acting like Christians. Not with “in your face” superiority, but filled with joy and living closely connected to our holy and perfect vine, Jesus. Being stagnant and without joy is a sure indication that we need to re-evaluate our walk, interests, and mindset and seek God’s will asking him for his presence within us.

Scripture refers to this in Matt 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

So, let’s pray: Lord, help us to be your light. Give us your presence in abundance. Let us be a gift to others through your Holy and precious Spirit who ignites our soul and demeanor. May the richness of your love flow like a river from our every pore so they know we are Christians – a reflection of the Christ. Be within us, causing an explosion of joy by filling us to overflowing from the bounty of your divine light. Help us to fight against ego-based self-centeredness and radiate your love by igniting a fire within to attract those who live in darkness. Help us to forever be building your kingdom and amplifying your glory.

If we let God’s light burst through our humanity people will know we are connected to the one who through us can build His kingdom. I’m not talking about ego-based perfection, oh no. It is where we are broken, in our frailties, where God’s light can break through and touch others where they also are struggling. Scripture states: 2 Cor 12:9-10, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Now that is counter-cultural religion – flowing, strong and free and why faith matters!

Rom 13:12: “So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”