No Faith Without Listening

I am a big music fan. I know a lot about bands and groups that many would consider useless knowledge. But it is something that intrigues me is the lives of those who write and perform certain songs that I often can relate to. Being a Christian, of course I have listened to a lot of Christian music. I still have my favorite artists that I have listened to since I was a teenager like Third Day and Skillet. What has been a little disheartening is when I hear of a Christian artist or pastor say that they are going through a time of “deconstructing their faith.”

What I have gathered that to mean is that they are questioning the authenticity of faith in Christ. They know the details, they often times have sung or preached those same doctrinal statements that we all have heard many times. Yet because of a dark time in their life, or maybe their mind and heart has turned away from God in some manner, their doubt has become greater than their faith.

John Cooper, who is the leader and founder of the Christian Rock bank Skillet has started a podcast and wrote articles dealing with this issue with the hope of encouraging faith in Christ and calling on Christians to stand firm on what we believe. Over the next few weeks, I hope to do the same. We are going to talk about how we build our faith and how we can help others build their faith in Christ.

Pray and read James 1:17-27

Each verse of this passage, each phrase and word needs to be understood in-depth. So lets talk about the details found here in this letter from the Apostle James. Before we read his words, I want to share with you that some Bible scholars believe that this particular James, which there are many, is the brother of Jesus. Here is a detailed look at what he is saying in this passage.

Every thing given to you and from you first came from our Father. God gives to us always, this will never end. This will never end because God does not change. There is no variation of His love that is different for one over the other. The Light of God shines on all of us. His is the Light of the World.

Why does God do this, because He created us. He created us to be a part of Himself, therefore we have His love in us and we give of His love. God spoke us into being by His words, or by His Holy Word which is Jesus who is the Truth. We were created for a purpose. We are created to serve Him, but not like a robot or in the sense of what we call a slave. All that we are gifted in doing, those things in which we are good at doing, are gifts from our Father for His purpose. But doesn’t it bring you joy when you doing something you enjoy or are able to see an accomplishment of yours? God wants that too, we are created for this purpose.

If we really listen to what is being taught to us, in Scripture or in other areas of life where we are in a learning environment, then we will understand what is being spoken. To understand what is being said is more than just hearing what is being said, but to be listening to what is being said. Are you listening? We hear this verse say that we should be slow about expressing our anger, and slow to speak in any situation. But also understand that the opposite of slow is quick. What does this passage tells us to be quick in doing? Listening. When we are slow to get angry and slow to speak, we give ourselves the opportunity to think about what we have to say. But we also, and far more importantly, have time to actually listen to what the other person is saying before we respond. When we respond with fully understanding, having really listened to all the details and opinions of others, we are equipped to respond more intelligently then if we had spoke out with anger of frustration. A righteous person seeks to do what is right before God, themselves, and others.

How can we do what is right by God? By rid ourselves of behaviors that are displeasing to God.Sin separates us from God. Those who have a crisis of faith, sometimes finds themselves questioning what is sinful behavior. James tells us the remedy for that in verse 21. James tells us to immerse ourselves in the word that has been given to us that will save our souls. God’s word spoken since the time of the Patriarchs, the Law bringers, and the Prophets, through the Word made flesh and His Prophets and Apostles is the word in which we need to immerse ourselves. And we are to approach the Word with meekness, not weakness, but humility. This humility brings us to a place of knowing in Wisdom to whom we owe our very souls. We allow God to pour His wisdom on us richly and we soak it in.

But, as we all should know, hear the Word, provokes action. We as we listen to God for wisdom, we should also listen to each other and discern what they are saying. We should do that which God has commanded us to do. Our lives should reflect the Word of God. What, or who do you look like? If you are covered by the Word, then the Word is reflected in all you say and do.

How else do you think those who question your faith seek to understand why you believe? They judge you not only by your words but by your deeds. Be careful what you say. Act with the peace, wisdom, and humility of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are an example of what you believe.

Some people have a problem with the word “religion.” In way, I can understand their problem. Often times when I hear a person say they have a problem with “religious people”, they mean individuals who are hypocritical, quick to speak about what they are against or what they think is wrong with someone without much thought to there own shortcomings and failures. It does seem that some people are more concerned with defecting the sins of others than reflecting the love and grace of Christ. What kind of faith is that really?

A faithful person is faithful to God’s purpose. This is our greater purpose; to care for those in distress, listen first to God and express His wisdom, and to be covered by His Word which is the only way we can deflect the world and reflect our Creator.

We will be talking more about Wisdom and works in the coming weeks. So much so that you may think I am repeating myself. If you catch that, good! That means you are really listening.

In the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen