Monday, September 01, 2008

The Difference

The Difference between a faith and a religion, I think, comes into focus in the tough times. When things are down. When the chips fall on the negative side. When you lose, you're hurt, you're in pain, and nothing seems to go right.

I happen to think that if I simply had a religion, something that gave me comfort and knowledge of an afterlife, I'd be lost in times like this. I'd be wondering why the glories of others in my religion failed, repeatedly, to come to me.

I like to think I have faith in Jesus, and the ways he teaches. Faith that if I continue to do the things he taught, that if I continue to seek after him, it's going to be fine. And I'm going to continue to have relationships and encounters that matter.

I don't need to drink Kool-Aid to think that all that matters is the end.

I've got faith to know that my God is there by my side, keeping it from being any worse.

And, more importantly, I've got faith in my God that the people he's brought into my life are going to stand by my side and be the comfort and support that I need.

No comments: