Doubt Is Not A Badge of Honor

Several weeks ago I was listening to a popular podcast. The host was interviewing a young man who states he was once a Christian but now he is an atheist. It was interesting in how he detailed his transformation that eventually lead him to walk away from faith in Jesus. My heart grieves for this young man and I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to move on his heart and call him back to faith. What shocked me the most was when one of the Christian hosts (a pastor) asked the young man, “How can we help you feel more accepted?”

I understand that we are always called to show the love of Christ but I am not sure that making someone who has walked away from faith feel more accepted is the best way to love them. This man’s eternal life hangs in the balance and either Jesus is the only way or he is not. Doubt and questioning one’s faith is not something to be celebrated. Doubt is not a badge of honor. Yet sadly I have seen this thought floating around the blogosphere of late.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. – James 1:5-8

But We All Doubt

Our human minds are a frail and fickle thing. We do doubt; we lack faith. However, doubt is not a good thing. Like James tells us, let us ask for wisdom and believe. Let us not relish in our lack of faith but let us pray the Holy Spirit will help us believe.

Come Lord Jesus help our unbelief!

Community

Throughout the Bible we see God is building a community of believers. We are not meant to live alone. It is crucial who we decide to commune with. The young man decided to surround himself with others who took lightly or embraced his doubt. Instead of having faith for him, they encouraged his doubt. They encouraged him to ask questions. I understand that the church has done a great job of hurting many but the church remains God’s plan for the future.

It is one thing to question how we live out our religion it is another to question the Word of God.

Come let us stand together in our faith and in our salvation that comes from repentance and submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Let us submit ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit to continue the transforming work of sanctification.

Let us stand together and workout of faith with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12).

Have you struggled with doubt or lack of faith? How did you work it out? Do you still struggle with doubt?

photo credit: ok via photopin (license)

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About the Author: Jon Stallings

I am enthusiastic about helping others discover their purpose and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is great to see their eyes light up at their “Ah Ha!” moment when they discover they were created for something more. My hope is that this blog will help encourage and inspire you along your way. Join the conversation and take the time to share with me your own story. I have been married to my beautiful wife Janice for over 30 years. We currently live in McDonough Georgia with our daughter. Our two boys have left the nest and we have two wonderful grand kids. Of course we cannot forget about our dog Bear.