True Faith: Following the Principles of Jesus Christ, Not Mere Rituals or Worldly Establishments
As I consider faith, I usually pose myself the basic yet uncomfortable question: Am I really serving Jesus Christ, or have I just been serving what has been constructed in His name? Actual faith, in my perception, is much more than rituals, traditions, and religious practices. True faith means living by the guidelines that Jesus gave us day in and day out in all areas of life.
Jesus never taught people to follow vain forms. He called them to follow Him. But so many of us are comfortable just because we go to services, say prayers or because we belong to a religious name. Such things have a value, but they do not constitute the basis of faith. It is only when faith transforms our way of thinking, speaking, forgiving, loving and treating others that it is real. Unless the change takes place, rituals cannot be internal, and the heart will not change.
In my case, to follow Jesus is to have His words as the guide to my actions and decisions. It refers to doing what is true in times when it is more comfortable to lie, doing what is right in times when it is more right to be angry and doing what is right in times when it is more right to be humble. Jesus instructed us to love God with all our hearts, and to love other people like ourselves. These are not some symbolic concepts, but practical guidelines on how to live. Unless my faith influences the way I co-exist with other people, then what I need to do is doubt the depth of that faith.
In the contemporary world, it is not easy to live such a life. We are in an environment of distraction, pressure, and values which are usually against what Jesus taught. This is why it is necessary to go back to the Bible. Christ is not a dead man; he is a living God. By Scripture reading, praying, and being aware of the presence of God, these can help me to keep in line with the will of God. Religion is then a practice that one does daily and is not restricted to a certain location or time.
There is also the issue of community and fellowship, but they have to be based on truth. Fellowship ought to promote development, reformation and humility, as opposed to performance and excellence. Religion was not supposed to be a one-sided performance. It is the duty of every believer to live and embody the teachings of Christ not only by the word, but also in deed.
Among the facts that I firmly believe in is the following: faith is personal. There can be traditions, institutions and systems, but none of them can substitute a living relationship with Jesus Christ. True faith manifests itself in character rather than appearance. It is manifested in the way we deal with those who cannot afford to do us a favour, and the way we are loyal even when no one is on the lookout.
Having faith does not depend on what we do externally, but on how much the teachings of Christ have a strong influence on our inner being. Faith is not a checklist. It is a path of obedience, submission and love. As we live this life, our lives become a testimony.
Reflection for the Reader
Take some time to think and tell the truth. Do you live according to the teachings of Jesus, or do you base it primarily on rituals and routines? In which part of your life is it possible to be more intentional about living out the teachings of this week? Allow your religion to take action.

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