Finding A Lived-Out Faith

In our fast-paced world, where ideas often seem to hold more value than experience, it is critical to remember that faith is not merely a concept or a set of beliefs; it is meant to be lived, felt, and shared. 

Our lived experiences shape our understanding of faith, making it a dynamic and authentic journey deeply intertwined with our daily lives. As we navigate through life, we often encounter challenges, joys, and sorrows, all of which contribute to the richness of our faith.

The Bible reminds us of this truth in James 2:26, which states, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.” 

This simple statement emphasizes that true faith manifests itself through action. It is not enough to hold beliefs in our hearts; we must actively express them through our lives. Our experiences, good or bad, are the fertile ground from which our faith can grow and flourish.\

The late author and theologian Rachel Held Evans profoundly articulated this idea when she wrote, “Faith isn’t about having the right answers. It’s about the questions, the conversations, and the experiences that lead us to seek.” 

Evans understood that living out faith means engaging with life’s complexities, inviting a sacred space for doubt and discovery. In these questions—those moments of uncertainty, fear, and wonder—we often find the most genuine expressions of our faith.

Think about a time in your life when you faced a challenge that seemed insurmountable. Perhaps it was a personal loss, a health crisis, or a moment of profound doubt. In these instances, faith comes alive, not through the answers we seek but through the act of seeking. 

It teaches us resilience, compassion, and empathy. We connect with others who share in our struggles, and together, we find the strength to push through. In every tear shed and hand held along the way, we profoundly experience God’s presence.

Brian McLaren, echoes this sentiment, suggesting that “A faith that isn’t lived is a faith that might as well not exist.” 

His words challenge us to reconsider how we view our faith. Are we merely believers, or are we doers? Are we sitting comfortably within the walls of tradition, or are we going out into the world wrapped in compassion and action? 

McLaren's call to action invites us to recognize that our faith must spill out into the world, impacting and transforming the lives of those around us.

Faith lived out embraces the world. It feeds the hungry, comforts the broken-hearted, and stands up for justice. It compromises its comfort zones to reach out to those who feel lost and alone. 

By sharing our own stories and experiences, we inspire others to do the same. We create a tapestry of hope woven together by the common threads of our struggles and triumphs.

These faith experiences are not limited to monumental moments; they often occur in life's quiet, everyday interactions. A simple act of kindness, a moment of grace, or a willingness to listen can profoundly impact us and those around us. 

When we extend love—however imperfectly—we open doors to deeper connections and more significant faith experiences.

Furthermore, when we allow our lived experiences to shape our faith, we cultivate a community that embraces authenticity over perfection. 

We acknowledge that faith is not about flawless living but about engaging with the world as it is. We learn collectively from our mistakes, doubts, and victories, creating a richer and more meaningful faith journey.

This is one of the many reasons I love the community of faith I serve.  We are unafraid to voice our doubts, shy away from hard questions, and admit our mistakes.  It's truly a safe space to cultivate our faith.  

So, how do we make this a reality in our own lives? 

It starts with being present—attentively witnessing the joys and struggles of those around us. We must be open to seeing God’s handiwork in the lives of others while being willing to share our unique experiences. 

It is about cultivating spaces where stories can be shared, where questions can be asked, and where each person can feel valued just as they are. 

As we continue our journey of lived faith, remember that we are not alone. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses—friends, family, and fellow seekers—who walk alongside us, sharing their stories and supporting us in our struggles. 

May we inspire one another to embrace faith as a living, breathing entity that propels us to act with love, generosity, and understanding.

May we take a step forward into a lived expression of faith, embracing our experiences—the good and the bad—and allowing them to inform how we interact with the world. 

May we seek connections with others and be open to the transformative power of sharing and listening. 

May we find inspiration in the simple act of living out our faith daily. May we let our faith be alive and active, radiating love and hope in a world that so desperately needs it.

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen.