How does my faith actually fit into my complex life?
Life is complex. Heavy. Weird. Exhausting.
You know it. I know it. Some of us have found ourselves at a spiritual crossroads. Out of the all the questions we’re asking, here’s one I hear frequently:
How does my faith fit into my changing political views, my shifting workplace culture, my weird family dynamics, my environmental stance, my uncertain church status, my personal health or current relationship, etc. etc.?
Whether your spiritual or religious, deep down…
We want a faith that fits into our life.
A faith that’s practical, useful and meets us where we’re at.
Not sound bites, trendy quotes, easy answers, emotional prayer or a whispery voice through fog machines and worship instrumentals. Some will say, hey that’s cool but it sounds convenient, comfortable and frankly selfish. Faith isn’t about you and getting what you want. And I would say, I agree. Mostly. This perspective does lean toward personal preference, but maybe God likes a little selfishness?
Making something work for you isn’t selfish - it’s practical and dare I say, courageous.
Maybe you need to do **the thing you need** as opposed to what Christian culture says? (No judgement here) Maybe these questions are a ladder to climb out of the religious box you’ve found yourself in? All maybes aside, it’s healthy to bring a little intellectual curiosity and personal creativity to the spiritual table. So…
Let’s applaud the desire to make faith work.
The questions in the opening paragraph are common to our experience. Particularly, how does my faith function now that X happened or Y said something or Z changed? These ?’s are especially relevant when you’re working through a past hurt. As many will attest too, a strong faith can get you through a sh*t-ton of pain.
Big questions are always a worthy quest.
If you’re asking hard questions and wondering how your faith fits in your life. #1. You’re not alone. #2. Faith is central to our well-being - so you’re doing the right thing by figuring this out. #3. Spirituality is a meaning making system and can serve as a lens to see and engage the world. Which means: Keep going. Keep asking the questions. God might lead you to a paved path, roundabout or the rugged terrain of deconstruction for a season. The key is - you’re being honest with yourself. And that makes God happy. :)
If you’re wondering what’s worked for me, I put together a quick list of how my faith has fit in my life. These are not formulas or specific to circumstances, but more positive outcomes and things I’ve personally experienced through faith in Jesus.
A calm feeling when my friends are losing their minds over politics (who’s been there?)
Giving people grace who don’t deserve it (a daily task)
Giving myself grace when I fall short (a daily task)
Clinging to slivers of gratitude during moments of pure insanity with our children (God help us!)
Trying to value people first (dignity) over the problems between us (disagreements)
Caring more about what’s on the inside than what I see on the outside (ref. it’s crazy how much Jesus’ hated outward appearances *Matthew 23)
The Serenity Prayer (it’s just so good)
Initiating conversations about the substance of life rather than just skim on the surface with people
A sense of responsibility when I see suffering (whether or not I do something is another thing!)
I’m not some spiritual ninja master who’s has this figured out. But I have seen that faith can be a beautiful resource and useful tool no matter what question or complexity you’re facing.
On the journey, - Bryan
