When You Lose Your Belief
There’s a finite amount of belief in a person. You can’t create more belief. You can move your belief around, believe more of one thing and less of another, but each human has a unique capacity for belief.
Here are a couple of controversial examples. Colin Kaepernick lost his belief in standing for the national anthem. It was overtaken by his belief that our country “oppresses black people and people of color.” No matter where you come out on his protest, it has clearly cost him. Right or wrong, he’s suffered for his beliefs, becoming a divisive and unemployed quarterback.
Edward Snowden lost his belief in obeying the law and leaked classified information. His stated reason for those actions was his belief that our right to privacy was so strong, it outweighed his belief in the government. I don’t know how much he’s suffered. I know he can’t come home and is living in exile as far away from law enforcement as possible.
A lot of folks who call themselves Christians seem to have lost their belief. Their desire not to be known as ‘overly religious’ has overtaken their desire to be active, engaged, and public about their faith. Rather than suffer embarrassment or rejection or conflict, they’ve chosen to blend in rather than stand out. They’ve drifted from Christian values to become like everyone else.
Have you lost your belief? Has fear of rejection driven you into a spiritual ‘shell’ like a turtle’s? Has your need for approval overtaken your calling to be faithful and true to your Heavenly Father? He’s ready and willing to give you the courage to come back. All you have to do is ask.
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Responses (3)
I do not agree that Colin Kaepernick is divisive. By standing for his beliefs he is showing courage. It’s take courage to know that you will be ostracized and still stand. We do not get to choose the manner in which he protests. We choose to agree or disagree. Colin Kaepernick certainly should not be lumped in with criminals and apostates.
The majority of our teens, especially the ones in our local “Christian” high school are afflicted this way. The pressure of social media and peer rejection is stronger than the draw of a true relationship with Jesus. …and that is such a sad, sad truth in today’s culture.
This is a very timely message. Thank you Regi. We are in a societital age where categories and prejudice are tagged to most everything that someone would choose to stand for with limited inspiring or dedicated mentors to model and encourage that belief driven, passionate life. We need courage from the Lord but also protection and guidance from the wise the walk this out. Next week I’m attending the Killing Kryptonite event in ATL put on by Bethel Church just to meet with others, identify this intimidation in my life and pour praise and prayer all over it. Thx again for this stirring message.