Contrary to modern thinking, Christian faith is not a cop-out for the weak. Faith is not a process of ease. The reality is that challenges of life, require us to walk out faith in much more substantial ways than ease and comfort. We wrestle and battle to first find it-and then we battle for it to grow and develop.

I am not talking about “religion” in a degraded modern sense. I am talking about steps of commitment, and devotion, to a heart-felt faith in Jesus Christ.

Genuine Faith is not a comfort shoe by which we step into on a Sunday and step out again Monday. This pretentious faith is falsely represented and ultimate disillusionment is perpetuated by this life style. This is a “show” of religion; a falsehood of looking the part. It is not true faith and it offends many.

Sadly, we see “falseness” everywhere, but it does not cancel genuine faith. It rather shows a greater contrast of the genuine believer against a shallow pretender. Falsehood gets exposed everyday. Observers are so offended by false representation of a claim without substance that they become dismissive, not willing to examine the genuine faith of believers. Don’t let this be a cop out.

Explore the Bible, begin with the life of Jesus, his relationship with his disciples, and his New Testament teachings. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24, NIV)

It is Lent and a very special time of Passover season. It is a season to prepare our hearts and homes to welcome family and friends.

Also, it is time to return to meaningful spiritual traditions and to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus, he who is called the passover lamb of God, “who takes away the sin of the world.” If ever we needed spiritual renewal, the world needs it now. The cross is the centrality of Christian faith and it represents true forgiveness from sin and reconciliation back to God.

Matthew 24:5-7 TPT “For many will appear on the scene claiming my authority or saying about themselves, ‘I am the Anointed One,’ and they will lead many astray. “You will hear of wars and revolutions on every side, with more rumors of wars to come. Don’t panic or give in to your fears, for the breaking apart of the world’s systems is destined to happen. But it won’t yet be the end; it will still be unfolding. “Nations will go to war against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms. And there will be terrible earthquakes, horrible epidemics, and famines in place after place.” Matthew 24:5-7 TPT

Our tomorrows are threatened by all this and even more. Fears increase as we wonder about securing our future. Genuine faith must strengthen, grow and develop even as nations collapse or endure.

“Touchy-feely’ faith is out. This is the era of strong Christians. Tomorrow belongs to Christians who are stronger than any headline—stronger than threats—stronger than anything unfolding on the earth.” Mario Murillo

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24, NIV)

As Christian faith is challenged may it be a searching, seeking time of discovery. May many return to their roots of faith this lent season.

~ Judy Cline, Christian Advocate/Speaker

There are people in this world who have no faith, those who have little faith and those who seek to grow more in faith. It is even said many are disillusioned and are renouncing faith. The question we all must answer ~ is faith worth pursuing? Many fail to even seriously inquire.