How do you practice your faith? Or perhaps you don’t think you have faith.
We all believe in something. We couldn’t even get out of bed in the morning if we didn’t believe something was true, meaningful, or valuable. Whatever those things are, that’s your faith.
I think faith has at least three parts:
- Understanding our faith.
- Connecting with like minded individuals in a community of faith.
- Practicing our faith.
By understanding our faith I mean drilling down into those writings, traditions, and ideas that are the underpinnings of our faith. If our faith has scriptures, then those scriptures are the foundation that faith is built upon. So it is important to know them, understand them, and to reflect on your life in the context of those scriptures.
If your faith has no scripture, then ask yourself what are the writings or the sources of the ideas upon which your faith is built. Again, dig into them, know them, understanding them. And reflect upon your own life in the context of those writings.
What can you do to embody those ideas on which your faith is built?
It is important to connect with others who share your faith. We are social animals. We need other people. We want our faith validated by others who value the same things we do. We can encourage each other in our faith, and pick each other up when we fall down.
Finally we need to practice our faith. We want our actions to embody those ideas we value. And it is easier to practice in groups than it is alone. If you believe in public service, then find a group that is doing work you value.
Act on your faith and passion with those who share your faith and passion, and you will make a lasting difference in the world.
But ask yourself whether you and your group are a blessing or curse upon the world. And if it is that later, perhaps it is time to reexamine your faith.
circleofpractice 