What happens when our comfortable faith meets a crisis?

Our childhood faith

Many of us were raised in religious homes. Until something happens we have a comfortable faith. We pretty much do as we wish.

Then a crisis comes.

A crisis of faith

A powerful man with a comfortable religion met Jesus. He was powerful and comfortable and wanted a civil, courteous conversation with Jesus. (Luke 18:18-29)

He called Jesus a good teacher, a nice but not lofty title.

Jesus did not settle for a civil, courteous conversation.

He did not settle with Nicodemus or the Samaritan woman and he pushed the powerful man beyond his comfort zone.

He did not accept the good teacher label and pushed the powerful man on Jesus’ true relationship to God. He also pushed the man on the depth of his religion.

When questioned by Jesus the man claimed that he had kept all of the commandments since his youth. Jesus glossed over the probably exaggeration and went right to the core issue. When told that he should sell all of his possessions and follow Jesus the man was no longer confident and powerful. He was sad.

Jesus was not merely good but was the God-man Messiah. He was not an interesting conversation partner. He was the one who is owed all allegiance.

Questions for consideration:

Have you had a crisis that pushed you to a growing vibrant faith?

How is your faith different than it was ten years ago?

Have crises in other people’s lives been used to strengthen your faith?