Discovering The True Character of Our Faith

How can we factually discern that our faith must discover its own character? Our faith, we believe, has found itself. Our faith, we believe, is what is. Our faith is, according to our denominational understanding and our interpretation of that understanding, in possession of an acceptable character. But to whom is that character acceptable when it says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10)?

The psalmist prays a profound prayer. The "me" to be renewed is not the individual themselves, but rather their "heart." This heart to be renewed and cleansed is not the psalmist's physical heart, but the heart of the psalmist's devotional character or conversation. This understanding comes from the verse, "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom" (Psalm 51:6).

According to the scriptures, the heart of our conversation, or the spirit or character of our faith, is to be renewed or cleansed. This call for renewal is not for us personally, but for our devotional conversation. This is why it says, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation" (1 Peter 1:15).

This represents a significant shift in traditional religious thought. We often believe that we, as individuals, are not pleasing to “God” and need some intercessor to become acceptable. However, the Bible plainly states that it is not we, as human beings, who are detestable to “God,” but it is our religious conversation that needs amendment.

It is not we, personally, that must be "holy," but rather our conversation, or how we inwardly and mentally carry our confidence in the living God. According to the Bible, our religious conversation is naturally erroneous because it is a product of the religious world. This theological and theoretical atmosphere is rejected by the one that once said, "I am not of the world" (John 17:16).

Here, "world" does not refer to the literal natural world. This verse from John is not about an individual's supernatural origin. Instead, "world" refers to the religious world, as understood from how it says: "I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing" (John 18:20).

When our religious confidence is born, it is conceived within the religious world according to a particular creed. This creed does not correctly represent the living God's devotional character. We understand this because the scriptures call for the resurrection of our conversation from it, as exemplified in Romans 12:2: "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

The Bible calls for our conversation to personally understand the character of its faith. The character of our devotional confidence cannot be found within the religious world. Finding our faith's character within the religious world would be akin to denying the principle, "Neither doth corruption inherit incorruption" (1 Corinthians 15:50). Since our faith is conceived in an atmosphere of spiritual and religious corruption, a necessary separation from that environment is demanded. This is why it says, "To him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God" (Psalm 50:23).

So what does this mean? Does it mean that our conversation should remove its thoughts and feelings from its accustomed experience? Does it mean our faith should experience itself without a pastor, “expert,” or guru? Absolutely, and this has already been foretold: "I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them" (Isaiah 42:16).

We are "blind," not literally, but our conversation is misguided. However, there is a cure. Our conversation, by consenting to experience itself only with the scriptures, may abandon the rebuke: "Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17).

The Bible's primary concern is the condition of our conversation's thoughts and feelings. Its sole intention is the wellbeing of our faith's inward person. Will we allow the Bible's concern to become our own? Will we discover if this concern is true and sincere? Our faith and its conversation need to become aware of their condition. If the Bible expresses displeasure with our natural devotional character, we must exercise humility as we discover our confidence's reason for existing.

Embrace the journey of understanding your faith. Reflect on your devotional character and seek its renewal through the Bible. The true character of your faith lies not in traditional religious constructs but in a sincere, personal relationship with the words reflecting the mind of the living God.

Faith Unscripted: The Benefits of an Unmemorized Devotional Life

What is an unmemorized devotional experience?

An unmemorized devotional experience is one that thrives beyond the limits of routine and rehearsed religious rituals. It is an encounter with the Bible that doesn't hinge on external stimuli or pre-defined structures to feel authentic and vibrant. This kind of experience flows freely, living within the liberty of a personal connection and inner peace with the Bible’s words, without needing validation from external sources. As Romans 15:4 beautifully puts it, "We through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

An unmemorized devotional experience is unconventional because it embraces the depth and seriousness of personal faith. It echoes the message of James 1:18: "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures."

This verse from James highlights three crucial points:

1. Bible Initiative: Our devotional character is not shaped by our own will or wisdom but through the Bible’s words.

2. Beyond Human Control: Personal and devotional transformation comes from an understanding that transcends human effort.

3. New Creation: This transformation aims to produce a new creature, a new personal and devotional character that reflects the Bible’s devotional character.

These points collectively illustrate the essence of an unmemorized devotional experience. They underscore a fundamental truth: true spiritual growth requires relinquishing human control.

A memorized devotional routine often attributes control to the individual, relying heavily on external rituals and stimuli. In contrast, an unmemorized devotional experience moves beyond these elementary principles, embracing a deeper, more reflective engagement with faith. This is why Paul criticizes the religious authorities in the Colossians, saying, "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances?" (Colossians 2:20).

Paul's message is clear: liberation from worldly religious principles involves moving away from rigid, elementary religious thoughts, feelings, actions, and behaviors. He warns against being "spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world" (Colossians 2:8). Instead, he encourages a transformation into the "new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (Colossians 3:10).

Living a genuine faith means engaging in a continuous journey of learning and growth. It's about allowing our belief to evolve through the knowledge and self-discovery directly offered within the Bible. This approach abandons rigid, human-based religious practices in favor of a freer, more inquisitive exploration of one's devotional character.

Emphasizing an unmemorized devotional experience isn't about dismissing structured practices but about highlighting the Bible’s call for a more profound, personal engagement with faith. Human growth and development underpin this biblical perspective. Routine thoughts, deeds, and behaviors can confine our faith, preventing it from developing genuine character. As Paul asks, "Why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?" (1 Corinthians 10:29).

Consider the natural human reactions to injustice or abuse. Witnessing someone harm an animal, a child, or even themselves elicits a strong, visceral response. Similarly, subjecting our faith to rigid, external ordinances can be seen as abusing our belief’s potential. Every time we prioritize religious stimulants over the wisdom derived from personally exploring the scriptures, we do a disservice to our faith.

An unmemorized devotional experience places us in solitary communion with our inward self, fostering genuine healing and authenticity. This aligns with the Bible's ultimate aim: to inspire a sincere, robust human and devotional character. Understanding and applying this wisdom can transform our lives, allowing us to live in a way that is true to our intended devotional experience.

Embrace the unmemorized devotional experience. Let it guide you to a place where faith is a living, breathing journey of discovery, free from the confines of memorized religious rituals and external validations. Through this path, we can achieve a more profound, authentic connection with the Bible, reflecting the true essence of our spiritual identity from having contact with it.

The Power of Informed Hope

Worry and anxiety often stem from a deep-seated desire to control the uncontrollable. When we face variables that we inherently cannot manage, our minds spiral into a state of apprehension. This loss of control can lead us to act out of character, revealing our raw, untrained selves.

Our reactions to stress and frustration expose our true character. When we can't control a situation, our anxiety and unease surface. We may present a calm demeanor when things are going well, but challenging circumstances reveal our mental instability and uneducated character. This exposure is particularly stark when we desire a beneficial outcome but are unable to influence events as we wish.

Recognizing our true character in these moments is difficult. However, there are strategies to make this realization more bearable. The key lies in exercising faith and hope. Faith is often touted as the solution to anxiety, but understanding what faith truly means is crucial.

Faith is defined as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). In essence, faith is the result of hope. If we are anxious or worried, it's not because we lack faith, but because our hope is not well-founded.

To develop genuine faith, we must first cultivate informed hope. This process starts with knowledge. Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding in Ephesians 1:17-18, where he prays for wisdom and revelation to guide minds into knowing the hope of their calling. Knowledge enlightens our understanding and informs our hope.

An educated hope alleviates anxiety because it is based on a solid foundation of knowledge. Proverbs 11:9 and Isaiah 53:11 highlight the deliverance and justification that comes through knowledge. To have faith in anything, we need to understand what we are placing our hope in.

Our first step is to seek knowledge about what we hope for. This informed hope leads to a full and unwavering faith. When our hope is educated, it eliminates the root causes of worry and anxiety. An intelligent hope, purified by understanding, will not lead to unease.

Practical Steps to Develop Informed Hope:

1. Seek Knowledge: Understand what you are hoping for. Explore the reasons behind your hope.

2. Educate Your Hope: Ensure your hope is based on solid, factual knowledge rather than emotional willpower or misinformation.

3. Build Confidence: Let your informed hope guide you towards a stable and confident belief.

To overcome worry and anxiety, we must focus on building an informed hope. Faith, as the culmination of this hope, will naturally follow. By educating our hope, we create a foundation that is not easily shaken by life's uncontrollable variables. This approach not only alleviates anxiety but also leads to a healthier, more active life. So, before you tell yourself or someone else to "have faith," remember that you first need to seek knowledge and understand what you hope for. This informed hope will pave the way for a steadfast faith, free from worry and anxiety.