Foundations of Faith
Today I’m writing about the foundations of faith. If you’ve been following our activity on the Hummingbird Journeys platforms over the last few weeks, you would know that we’ve been speaking a lot about FAITH. In the midst of a confusing 2020, God seems to be endearing us to not be distracted and to remain focused on Him.
Sometimes we take for granted the understanding of certain Christian concepts because they are readily used in our circles and, well, everyone should just know. It seems though, that as truth becomes so blurred in our current day, there is a need and direct responsibility to return to the foundations of some of these concepts. Faith is one of these.
Why are foundations important?
Surely, we can all identify with the physical buildings we see all around us, starting right at home (literally) with the houses we live in. The visible structure is what we connect with, everything that is above the ground that we are able to actually enter and dwell in. The foundation is not regularly given thought to, as it exists out of view. However, as those with an appreciation for construction will tell us, the strength of a building lies in its foundation.
Foundations, I am told, require thorough planning and involve a lot of time and work. I am told that the progress is usually unseen, but that if the foundations are not set right, there will be constant problems with anything that is later built on that foundation. It can be said that the foundation is the most important part of building, although not the most appreciated.
So it is with our faith, it is easy to take the foundations for granted. This only leads to us becoming dry in the spirit and eventually weakened. When we neglect the foundations of our faith, every area of our life suffers.
Four cornerstones of our faith foundation
Today, I’m sharing what I believe are the four important cornerstones of the foundation of faith. I believe that as we keep paying attention to these areas, our foundation is kept in tack and our faith is nurtured.
- Relationship with Jesus
I’m not speaking of the commitment you made however long ago when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. I am speaking of an up-to-date real and relevant relationship which involves a continuous sharing of each other’s thoughts and desires. Are you up close and personal with Jesus? Do you know what has been on His heart lately? Or have you been appreciating him from a distance? Have a read of 1 Corinthians 3:11 when you have a chance and understand that an intimate relationship with Jesus is paramount.
- The Word
Faith that is not built on the Word of God is futile. Romans 10:17 tells us “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Matthew 7:24-27 tells us that the wise build on the rock [paraphrasing] the rock which is Jesus. Anything built on the opinions and ideologies of man, cannot stand. A part of this is ensuring that prayer and the study of the Word is constant so that we do not get confused about Who is our source.
- Worship
Worship is a lifestyle. It is not the few minutes that we sing songs to God from our lips. It’s living a life that brings Him pleasure to watch constantly. It’s our character, how we represent Him; and our integrity, our hidden thoughts and choices; and the decisions we make in accordance with His will. It’s living our whole lives (no double standards) so that people see God through us. John 4: 23-24 reminds us to worship God in spirit and in truth.
- Community
The people who surround us either help or hurt our faith walk. We are likely to adopt the speech and behaviour patterns of those around us. It is important that we build a community that speaks truth, that is able to hold us to biblical standards of accountability. People who are themselves serious about their own faith. Who are able to life to your spirit, denounce death, and help you in your pursuit of nurturing faith.
Now that we are all reminded (me included), I encourage you to be like the man Luke 6:48 speaks of, who, while building a house, “dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built”
Agape, Kareem
