The uncertainty we have faced for over a year has tested our mental and emotional strength like no other time in recent history. From battling a global pandemic, to civil and racial tension, to financial insecurity, we have together weathered through crisis after crisis.
And through it all, it’s quite possible we could be seeing a spiritual reawakening that hopefully, is more than just fleeting and momentary.
Although 90 percent of us believe in a higher spiritual power, only 56 percent of us believe in God as described in the Bible. Church attendance as of 2018 is at an all time low, particularly with millennials, who are continuing the trend of moving away from past generational views on religion as well as lifestyle.
However, in 2020, many Americans reported a stronger bond with faith, more so than other countries. Faith is a very broad term, but it is telling that many of us believe in a physical and spiritual realm that goes beyond mere existence.
The journey toward righteousness is a path filled with temptation, that continuously challenges our spiritual well being. We can all become consumed with self individualism, which over time, drives us further and further away from living a life of compassion and harmony. Religions history of atrocities is one reason why many have rejected biblical perspectives, and this is understandable. The result is fewer and fewer believers. However, this is not a new revelation. This was foreseen long ago.
I’m not a theologian, but merely a spectator watching the world unfold and move further and further away from absolute truth. It would be hypocritical for me to say my views on the Bible did not reflect that of many of those in this world. Simply going through the motions, telling myself that doing no harm, and living spiritually was the same as living in righteousness. I realize now it’s not that simple.
Over the past year, I made a commitment to not only read the Bible, but to better understand it’s message. Though I still have much to learn, my understanding of the gospel is becoming clearer. We are all God’s children, and he will continue to love us regardless if that love is not returned. I don’t take comfort in this realization.
My spiritual well being will still be tested with the many temptations placed in front of me, as it will for all of us. Impulsive behavior will not be void of consequences, nor should they be. When we understand God’s love, it should encourage us to live a life of righteousness.
The world will continue to sin. Many will say doing no harm and being “good” is sufficient. It isn’t, for those are characteristics that are inherently organic, and none of us deserve praise for having compassion for our fellow human beings. Excess may bring about temporary satisfaction, but it’s illusion continues to leave us unfulfilled. It is never enough, nor will it ever be.
Faith and absolute truth are virtues that shouldn’t be rejected, but embraced. Many believe the Bible is merely a book of rules and stories designed to conform humans behavior towards obedience. Yet book after book let’s us know that no matter how many times we turn away from Him, he will still always be there.
Until next time
JPN