Have you ever wondered why some things are just hard to get a handle on, even though the concept is so easy to understand? I’m referring to faith.

We learn faith as one of the first action/response lessons in life. As a baby, we have faith that when we cry our mother, father or nurturer will comfort us. As infants and children we rely on others to feed, clothe and give us the knowledge to continue our lives’ journeys. It is when we are unable to provide for ourselves that we strive through our faith that friends and /or loved ones will see us through.

It is said in Ephesians 6:4, “And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” I believe this tells of the importance of guardians having the responsibility of teaching the young to live a moral life, understanding that there are both rewards and consequences for our actions. We put our faith in these lessons in order that we may have friendships, families, careers, etc., as well as the knowledge to pass on the things we have learned.

Trouble comes later, teen years and up. Now we become more independent and stop believing others will be there when we need them. This is when our faith in Jesus Christ should be at its highest. You see, we have been “groomed” into a life of faith. Some of us rebel and wander as a lost sheep or a group of Israelites leaving Egypt, only to face many trials alone. Even then, if one chooses to restore their faith and ask for help, they shall receive. In Psalm 23:3, “He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

Funny how we remember these words but not smaller things. That’s because these are “powerful” words. God wants to put His name on our actions and give us a brand new soul that He’s proud of. Won’t you accept this gift? Faith, a learned belief that is the basis for fellowship with God.

Ask yourself, what do I put my faith in?

 

Jeff Long is a resident of Rowan County.