“They" say that love is blind. Is this true? While we may not fully comprehend the mechanisms or timing of love, we undoubtedly embrace its mystery in our lives. How is it that we see and acknowledge what we cannot understand? How do we, in matters of faith, care for what is unseen?
This question strikes at the core of religion, which often assures its followers that through adherence to laws, deeds, beliefs, and rituals, we care for the "body" of our faith, which is ultimately invisible. But does the Bible support this method of caring for our faith? Is the saying wrong, “If righteousness comes by the law, then Christ died in vain”? (Galatians 2:21)
This passage illuminates our query. By applying our faith to "righteousness," we nurture it correctly. But what is "righteousness" in this context? According to the passage, "righteousness" is equated with religious laws, rituals, policies, theories, rites, and ceremonies. Yet, the author argues that this traditional religious approach is not the true definition of righteousness.
If this form of worship and service were acceptable, then the chief apostle of the living God died for nothing. This assertion is bold. Observing our religious traditions, we find practices that the book of Galatians advises against. The author of Matthew echoes this sentiment, stating:
"I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven," Matthew 5:20.
What is the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees? They reject the commandment of God to keep their own tradition, Mark 7:9, and the prophet says, "This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men," Isaiah 29:13. Their "righteousness" is performing traditional religious law for supposed divine favor.
This much is true: maintaining our faith through religious laws and traditions is a form of devotion the Bible does not endorse. This practice is unhealthy because it creates a false sense of devotion through routine, convincing the individual they are favored by their actions. According to the Bible, this act is misguided.
What opposes the “righteousness” of the scribes and Pharisees? What counters traditional religious thought and feeling? The scriptures advise, "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind," Romans 12:2, and, "Concerning the work of my hands command ye me," Isaiah 45:11, and, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom," Psalm 111:10.
We nourish our spiritual body with spiritual food. The sustenance for our faith is the wisdom gained from challenging the scriptures to prove themselves. Yes, we can demand proof of the Creator's work! Yes, the living God expects us to question and engage with the scriptures! Yes, we have the right to confront the living God about our personal and devotional struggles! This is expected of us.
We argue with our siblings, spouses, associates, and friends for respect, but we shy away from questioning the living God. Does that make sense?
"Let me not argue with God," we think. "Let me either commit to ritual and silently please the “God” I'm too afraid to engage with, or abandon the act and despise the one I need to confront," we continue. Does this make sense? Instead of turning to the source of our experience, we hide within ourselves or seek solace in others' consciences. Does this make sense?
True care for our faith is demonstrated through our engagement with the living God. Though there is no physical figure to argue with, it doesn't mean it's impossible. We argue with the living God by thoughtfully, patiently, and privately wrestling with the scriptures. "Care," according to the Bible, is shown through exercising our minds on what troubles us. If we do this, it will be said of us, "The LORD hath loved him," Isaiah 48:14.