Are You Taking Your Faith Seriously?
An abstract of Connor Kraus’ sermon on October 13, 2024, in the Galatians series. Watch the sermon video here.
Have you ever started something with excitement, only to lose interest over time? Maybe you began learning a new hobby or instrument but gradually practiced less and less. Or perhaps you committed to a new exercise routine, yet found yourself skipping more workouts as weeks went by.
Sometimes our faith journey can follow a similar pattern. We may start out passionate about our relationship with God, eager to learn and grow. But as time passes, that initial fire can dim. We might find ourselves going through the motions, without the same enthusiasm we once had.
In the Bible, the apostle Paul wrote a letter to some churches in a place called Galatia. He was concerned because the people there had started strong in their faith, but were now drifting away from the true message of Jesus. Paul asked them some tough questions to get them thinking about the state of their spiritual lives.
Today, we can ask ourselves those same questions. They can help us take an honest look at our faith and consider if we're still on the right track. Let's explore four key questions from Paul's letter to the Galatians:
Question 1: Do I take my faith seriously?
When you first learned about Jesus and his love for you, how did you respond? Maybe you felt amazed by God's grace and forgiveness. Perhaps you were excited to learn more about the Bible and grow closer to God.
But as time goes on, it's easy to lose that sense of wonder. We might start to take our relationship with God for granted. Instead of actively pursuing growth in our faith, we can become satisfied with just "checking the boxes" - going to church, saying a quick prayer now and then, but not really engaging our hearts.
Paul challenges us to examine whether we're truly taking our faith seriously. Are we putting effort into our relationship with God? Do we make time to pray, read the Bible, and learn more about Jesus? Or have we become comfortable with a surface-level faith that doesn't impact our daily lives?
Taking our faith seriously doesn't mean we have to be perfect. It simply means we care enough to keep growing and drawing closer to God.
Question 2: Am I working for something I already have through Christ?
Imagine someone gave you an amazing gift - let's say a brand new car. But instead of accepting it and enjoying the ride, you kept trying to earn it by doing chores or odd jobs for the giver. That wouldn't make much sense, right? The car is already yours!
Sometimes we can fall into a similar trap with our faith. When we put our trust in Jesus, God gives us incredible gifts - forgiveness, eternal life, His constant presence, and so much more. We don't have to earn these things; they're freely given because of God's love and grace.
Yet it's common for Christians to feel like we need to work really hard to make God love us or to earn His blessings. We might think, "If I just pray more, or give more money, or volunteer more, then God will really accept me." But the truth is, if you've put your faith in Jesus, God already fully accepts and loves you!
Paul wants us to remember that our relationship with God is based on His grace, not our work. We can rest in what Jesus has already done for us, rather than exhausting ourselves trying to earn God's favor.
Question 3: Who has made me righteous?
When we talk about being "righteous," we mean being in right standing with God. It's about having a good relationship with Him.
As we grow in our faith and start to make better choices, it's tempting to think we're becoming righteous on our own. We might start to feel pretty good about ourselves, thinking, "Look how much I've improved! I must be making God really happy with me."
But Paul reminds us that any righteousness we have comes from God, not ourselves. It's the Holy Spirit working in us that helps us grow and become more like Jesus. We can't take credit for it.
This is actually really good news! It means we don't have to rely on our own strength to become better people. Instead, we can depend on God's power working in us. When we mess up (which we all do), we don't have to beat ourselves up. We can turn to God, admit our mistakes, and trust Him to keep changing us from the inside out.
Question 4: Is my faith driven by convenience or conviction?
Following Jesus isn't always easy. Sometimes it means going against what's popular in our culture or facing criticism from others. When Paul wrote to the Galatians, they had already faced some tough times because of their faith.
But now, it seemed like they were choosing an easier path. Instead of sticking to the true message of Jesus, they were starting to add in some old religious rules that made them fit in better with the crowd.
Paul asks them (and us) to consider: Is our faith based on real conviction - a deep belief in Jesus and His teachings? Or do we just go along with whatever is most convenient and comfortable?
It's natural to want to avoid conflict or discomfort. But a faith that's only convenient isn't very strong. When challenges come, it's likely to crumble. On the other hand, a faith built on conviction - on a real relationship with Jesus and trust in God's word - can stand firm even in difficult times.
So, what now?
If these questions have made you realize your faith isn't as strong as you'd like it to be, don't worry! That's actually a good thing. Recognizing where we need to grow is the first step toward positive change.
Here are some practical steps you can take:
Reflect on your relationship with God. Spend some quiet time thinking about how you view God and how much your faith impacts your daily life.
Be honest about your struggles. Talk to God openly about areas where you're having trouble or feeling distant from Him.
Remember the basics of the gospel. Think about your own need for forgiveness and the amazing love God showed by sending Jesus to save us. Let this fuel your gratitude and desire to know God more.
Take small steps to grow. Pick one area to focus on, like setting aside time each day to pray or read the Bible. Start small and be consistent.
Connect with other believers. Find a church or small group where you can learn, ask questions, and be encouraged in your faith journey.
Remember, growing in faith is a lifelong process. God is patient and loving, always ready to help us draw closer to Him. The important thing is to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
As you reflect on these questions and your own faith journey, may you be encouraged to pursue a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God. He's always ready to meet you right where you are and help you grow.