Why is Faith Important?

This post is part of a mini-series on Faith.


Intro

Faith is a value not often sought after in today’s culture.  Intelligence has been put on a pedestal as the value to pursue in this modern age…and it is hurting our society.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe in seeking knowledge and urge everyone to develop a critical mind (as mentioned in this post).  But intelligence is not so important that it should be pursued to the exclusion of all else.

There are other, equally important, values like courage, discipline, and faith.  These are invaluable for anyone to possess.  They should not be discarded.  Rather, these noble qualities should be praised and their pursuit celebrated.


Why is Faith important?

Faith in our fellow man is the foundation of society. Without trust, relationships with others would be impossible. It is faith, or trust, that enables teamwork, the coming together of humans to accomplish more than they could on their own. 

Similarly, it is Faith that allows man to have a relationship with God.  Faith is trust in God.  And it is in this capacity that the quality of faithfulness transforms our lives and leads us to explore the teachings of the Church.  Once you trust in God, you experience Him in a whole new way.

...You can already hear it, right?  The line you’ve heard every time you talk about faith.  “But why doesn’t God just come down and shake my hand?  If he does that, then I will believe!” 

But God did come down.  He did more than shake hands.  He performed countless miracles. And still people did not believe.

My favorite example comes from John 6, Jesus performed a miracle in front of thousands of people and the next day when that same crowd heard his teachings on salvation, they abandoned him.  Thousands of followers lost.  They had just seen a miracle!  And they spun on their heel upon hearing something controversial!

It is by faith that you come to know God.  Seeing Him won’t help you if you refuse to believe.  And conversely, when you start believing you will see God.  You cannot put the cart before the horse.  Faith is the crucial first step. 

It is through Faith that you recognize God in the movements of the universe, in the events of this world, and in the happenings of our lives.  Once you grasp the magnificence of God you can’t help but be inspired and transformed.  Because “whoever is in Christ is a new creation…” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17


Keep Pursuing

This post is part of a mini-series on Faith.