Hollow Faith?

Scriptures: I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain. (Galatians 2:2)

There used to be a TV commercial where an owner of a nation-wide hamburger chain store was standing in the elevator. One of his employees stepped into the elevator with a box of donuts in hand. The employee offered donuts to this owner. The owner angrily responded, “Why do I want to eat something that, when you get to the center of it, has a hole in it?”

Though the question this owner asked was for food, I think it’s a great question for our faith. What is it that is in the center of our belief? Some great and noble ideas and concepts? Some unreal, impractical, and out of date instructions for life, as some have claimed? Or a true and living God who loves us and redeems us for eternity?

I am always convinced that at the core of our faith is a relationship made possible through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. The doctrines and theology came into being to help us nourish this relationship. In his second epistle to Timothy, Paul said, “This is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him to that day.” (II Timothy 1:12)

At the center of his faith was the Lord Jesus Himself whom Paul knew well. It was this true living God whom Paul said, “…the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength…” (II Timothy 4:17) Trials and persecutions were there for him. But he did not face these trying times in life with peace simply because he was doing the right thing. He was doing the right thing. But his strength came from God and God’s presence.

God and His guidance and instructions were more than noble ideas. Many would love to reduce God to a noble idea. They conceptualized Jesus and said there is a Historical Jesus and a Jesus of faith. They want us to embrace the concepts but ignore the historical evidences. But, He was every bit a real person just like you and me. He came and lived in this sinful world. He fulfilled the promises of the scriptures. He demonstrated the power of God. His teachings were in fact descriptions of His life, perfect and blameless. Then, He died to pay for our sins and was raised from the dead so we may be called righteous and may receive the hope of eternal life.

More than real, He cares; He loves; He comforts; and He strengthened. Even up until today, He continues to touch and change lives of many, including those of yours and mine. Not just once when we were converted, but everyday ever since. Like parents for their children, their love never stops. Their love did not stop after their children were born, nor did it stop after they turn into adults. “Love never ends.” (I Corinthians 13:8) God’s love for us never ends.

When we look into our faith, what do we find in the center of our faith? Is it a solid and growing relationship with a true and living God whose love and power sustains and strengthen us daily? Or is it only a set of noble ideas and theories that make sense to us? May God stand at the center of our faith and help us to meet and experience Him on a daily basis!

Prayer Requests:
For theologians

Prayer:
Father, please open our eyes so we may see You and feel Your loving touches in our lives. Please strengthen our understanding of You through the enrich walk with You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!