Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
I examine the works of those who claim faith. It is in the works of faith that truth in belief can be found. Where faith is claimed and rule is imposed to keep the faith I find often that those rules fail because of a failure in the belief system itself.
The rules vary widely across cultures. Some are so silly that they are dismissive, who cares, no harm no foul. When a violation of rule becomes punishable, then lives are endangered. Some are punishable by death and that is tragic. False faith clings to these rules with reckless disregard of the root problem. Their belief system is ineffectual in capturing and changing the heart of its believers.
Obedience to feckless rules isn’t faith. True faith changes lives in the promotion of peace, gentleness, love, patience, kindness and forgiveness. It does not get bent out of shape when silly rules are broken.
Ephesians 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Jesus Christ has the power to change hearts. That is effective faith.
Another very goof posting! I believe we’ve all (or most of us) have been harmed by the “keepers of the rules.” “The just shall live by faith.”
Not just Christianity, it seems all religions have their own “trend setters” if you know what I mean.
I love the words that can be used to describe “faith” ——– Forsaking All I Trust Him. Fred, since you and I came from the same fellowship originally, I know exactly what you mean. At least, we have found that “rules” don’t work– my faith is rooted in a Person, (the Lord Jesus Christ) not abstract rules. Thanks to the both of you for this heart-warming blog post.