Is Your Faith Authentic?
Posted on 06. Apr, 2010 by Angie Wyatt in Blog
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ...Have you ever practiced your faith in an environment completely outside your comfort zone? Every year, thousands participate in outreach to their local community. Whether tutoring an elementary student or feeding the poor, helping others authenticates our faith.
After years of helping people in church, I’m thrilled to begin helping people outside the church walls. Recently, I met with the staff at Dallas Life, a faith-based homeless shelter in Dallas. I’ve been on sabbatical for several months, and I feel the need to begin serving again.
Why do I serve? Serving others expresses my truest beliefs, desires and gratitude. Serving at Dallas Life has left me thinking about what makes our faith authentic, or true.
- Are your beliefs only strong because you are in like company? Develop friendships with people who do not share your belief system. An authentic faith remains sturdy and loving in the midst of opposition.
- Are you passionate about your faith? Give of your belongings to a faith-based institution such as church, a homeless shelter or overseas missions. The beauty industry is one of the highest grossing industries in the world. This is because people greatly desire to be beautiful. We give our resources to the things we most desire.
- Are you grateful? Contribute your time to helping others like widows, children or the poor. Helping the less fortunate expresses our gratitude to God for rescuing us from our spiritual misfortune.
What other factors indicate a true faith? Share your thoughts with us.
Rose
13. Jul, 2010
Factors indicate a true faith? – Believing that Jesus is our salvation and he died for our sins and he knows us inside out and we are taken as we are with our talents and faults likewise. We always can come in prayers towards him. Faith helps to overcome obstacles. Believing that after rany days sunny days are following. God never gets tiered to listen to us. Faith is also to hear God’s voice when he is telling us something. Faith is having compassion with others. When they rage against us, keep quiet and speaking to them in peace. Never jude somebody else for what they are doing. Just express our opinion. – Faith do not only mean serve God with a task in church or the poor. Also wealthy people can be poor. Serving others with our love and helping them to overcome some obstacles or just listen to them is serving/faith too. Blessings, Rose
Al
13. Jul, 2010
Myself, I tend to work with all different walks of life. And practicing my faith in private, but also on how I conducted myself in business and everyday life. For Example:
I used to make well over 10,000 delivery stops in a good time line. In doing so, I would open doors, network and even at times buying lunch or coffee for my fellow co-workers and our clients. Just being me, in the real world and acting more like I should with our human fellowship. That in it’s self, teaches and demonstrates. And it also, practices my faith & the will of God. Helping one-another and reaching out.
We do charity work at times, but how many earn a real paycheck with them? It’s among them that we develop our true selves and practicing our true faith.
My personal pet peeve, is people that become way to pushy in the public about being a christian. Just be yourselves and develop a true you. People will follow by want and maybe over-time. For me, that is being in spiritual wellness, and an invitation in opening the door…to fellowship. Trying to be Christ like…but the real and true me.
Case in point: How many say grace in public with a private prayer? I do, in my private way…Maybe, little things, add up to be great big things over time. Helping one another, in simple ways by practicing my faith. And people that dont know God, can see the difference and open an invitation to get to know Christ at some point. I really dont like pushy people…it goes against the grain. Free will-
I personally dont care if the person wants to know God or not. I deal with ALL TYPES. Some are very hardcore- All walks of life, and simply as a human, maybe just fellowship as a person. Get to know each-other, develop relations, maybe even helping one another. Some look at life at a much different perspective and still are Christians. How many football fans watch football in a bar or goes to Vegas for a huge party? A lot goes on…that people take issue with in private and in public. For me, trying to practice my faith…just by being the real and true me.
So, some disagree with the above, but, what is faith if we are not the real us? Not living in the world…but yet living in the Real World…
Not getting so caught up with materialistic side of things. But yet, people miss the point of developing the real you…and practicing the faith. It’s not that hard…but, people sure make it difficult to understand what God really means by developing the real you as a christian. People tend to really differ on that subject.
A few of my thoughts…
Great post Angie.
Thanks…it was very thought provoking.
Al
Rose
13. Jul, 2010
Hi Al, trying to be Christ like…but the real and true me. – I guess that do not go together. We can be stucked in a ded end. Do you know Joyce Meyer? If she would have said I am the real and true me, and remain in it, she never would have got over her time in which she was selfish everything had to go her way. Always thinking I am right and you are wrong or treating others harsh. I have been similair to her, came from parents treating me wrong. If I would have thought I remain the true me, if I do not agree with a post here, I would have taken out rough words, swearing at people and telling them what they have to do. I would have been bunished from the blog. I decided to follow Jesus and being as kind as he was. Compassionate with people etcetc. Not an easy action. Showing love to people even they treat me wrong. That do not mean I invite them to be my friends. That I got a better me, is aS well because of Robert A. His sermons and personality helped. THANKS!– Blessings, Rose
Al
13. Jul, 2010
Hi Rose,
In my Church, when we accept Christ into our heart we are to try to more Christ like. It’s the fact, he washes our sins away. And according to scriptures we are to walk in faith, with God and in remembrance of Christ as we develop our true Christian faith.
Being the true and real me: Developing and knowing my true self. Knowing my inner passions and etc…To love what I do– in my professions and as I develop myself as a true Christian. We are to grow as Christians walking in faith & trusting in HIM. So, I guess, I dont understand the confusion. I certainly dont want to be a fake…lol
Regardless, of which christian faith that we walk in…if it’s Protestant, Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, or even as an Amish or etc…Be the true you and not a fake. Trying to be more Christ like, as we develop. But to the real and true me. In the above Christian faith, Which one am I? And which one are you?
Is it the real me?
I wont change my true inner passions because I am Christian. Unless of course it’s way off base on some level…And I wont change the Holy bible or it’s teachings, as I grow in the word. Walking in faith and developing my true self….walking in my faith. Make sense?
Develop the real you-
Hope that makes sense to you…Christ washes our sins away, and I dont get too caught up into the legal definitions as I walk in my faith and developing my true self.
Trying to walk with Christ. Is that even possible? Why worry so much about perfection…that is my point. Christ died for us and washes our sins away.
Accept people for who they are…And that would be God sayings…walking in faith and growing. Not to mention, the Holy scriptures tell us we are to remember the commandments and keep the sabbath Holy. (Old & New Testament) So to me, there is a lot more…as I developed the real and true me.
Make any sense?
Best Wishes-
Al
Jan-Michael
13. Jul, 2010
I got so much from volunteering for several years at a seniors’ home, visiting those who no longer had family visitors often. A family member came once, thanked me and asked how I could stand visiting their “strange” father? I could only sense that their Dad had changed to the point that his physical, emotional and phychological states were so different than the father they grew up with, that led them to see him as “strange”. I was able to tell them that as I knew only their father as he now acted, it was not a problem for me to visit but I could imagine how hard it might be to see their Dad dependent and not recalling everyone.
Most recently I have worked on Akoha voluntarilly ( you can google that) and it is a way of reaching out to friends and strangers with “small” acts of kindness. It has been sponsored such that reading rooms and libraries for children will be built through Akoha, in needy areas. Nepal is to have the first such library.
There are also lots of good things like Daily Challenge.org that anyone can follow and make a difference:
http://www.dailychallenge.org/challenges/active.php
I think even a smile or a kind word is a Christian act but I do like these other ways; and I get so much out of it all!
with His peace to all
Jan-Michael your comment here…
Rose
13. Jul, 2010
JEAN-MICHAEL, I do not want to sound rude, not at all! I aske me sometinmes why you make so many hints to homepages. Do you want to prompte yourself, I think! I tray to stick to the subject. Do you think you are more accepted like that, no clue! I know you haven’t had it easy in your past and now too. So do I! – You send out so many Valentine messages even not friends. You want to be accepted. Something everybody likes to be. Ask yourself why you do not get or got some personal messages yourself. It always gives a reason for something. If we can see it, it will help us to change to a better me, everybody or almost everybody can handel with and be pleased. I have had to improve myself to get a better me. I have had a background, my parents looked at me as a no-good. That ment I did everything to be accepted,even have been rude or a acted as a mum who as to tell their children what they have to do. Thanks God now everything is over. I improved with my faith. – Blessings, Rose
cysradill
13. Jul, 2010
Rose! I think your blog to Jan-MIchael was unkind. He is very kind and senstive to others and is only in his Christian way trying to help others. We do not have to go to the homepages if we do not wish to.
God Bless You All And Have a kind And Loveing day.
Cysradill
Rose
13. Jul, 2010
cysradill. I do not argue here. I expressed my opinion and maybe it’s not the same as you have that not mean I’m unkind. – Have a blessed weekend, Rose
Al
13. Jul, 2010
Hey Jan-Michael,
Great to hear about the act of kindness in your volunteering activities. I think those things are great! I researched your volunteer listings.
You share a lot of yourself in these blogs, I greatly appreciate and admire that…I really enjoyed the Canada video that you shared during the Olympics.
How their act of kindness was just providing a hot cup of coffee or chocolate. It means a lot to people…little things adding up to be great big things.
Keep up the great volunteer work…
I dont know the group very well…But, was wondering if any-one would share their professional expertise or jobs? Angie, what was it like working with Dallas life…Are you making deliveries with them or working more in the homeless shelters? Tell us more…
Great blog…
Al
barbie
13. Jul, 2010
Len and I did some interesting
voluntay work a few years ago.
We took Rosie, our Golden Retriever dog, to visit elderly
people in a nursing home and a
hostel It was interesting one day we passed in a corridor a lady pushing a trolly who was going the way. Everybdy knew
Rosie our dog. This lady who
was pushing this trolley going
in the oppsite direction as we
were said to me “It is strange
that Rosie hasn’t paid any attention to this trolley as it
has FOOD in it. As soon as Rosie heard the word FOOD. Rosie
stopped and looked back to see
if she could see any food but she couldn’t, I don’t know who
enjoyed seeing Rosie the most
the staff or the elderly people
Unfortunately the group that was
in charge shut down his section
of their program. I don’t know
if it was us or Rosie Unfortunately Rosie is no longer
with us. She was 13 years old
when she went to the animals’
heaven Barbie M
Jan-Michael
13. Jul, 2010
Thanks Cyrasdill and Al for your understanding that the links or sites are a way to add more, in answer to Angie’s questions. Rather than explain the details, obviously I show the name of a site as a lot of links do good Christian efforts in daily life are now there for those who are mobile and those who are not mobile due to isolated location or physical limitations, so that is good I believe.
I have a friend who is now in permanent longterm care after a stroke and he is active on these sites or links trying to maintain that part of his generous personality.
I honestly regret that Rose, you have difficulty understanding others efforts or ways of answering these blogs or perhaps expressing your concerns in a way which is not read offensively which you recognize by prefixing often that you “do not wish to be rude, but…” We have all seen your struggles and negative words on all the blogs and though I know you often write, (sic) “how I do not care how people read or in my life are angry with me”, I hope and pray you will find this is an opportunity to make friends and share good thoughts. As Cyrasdill wisely suggested, obviously do not go to the links if you do not think they will add to your understanding of my point. I have no financial interest in any of the link sites. I simply use them as my way to do some of the Christian efforts that are growing in our cyber world and they are great I think. Yes, I have had problems as you point out, Rose, and so I guess being glued to a chair much of the time leads me to internet ways to try to “Authenticate my Faith” in activities that I used to do in the “real” world but now do on-line and I am loving it!
I hope this answers any concerns and I truly appreciated the kind words Cyrasdill and Al. I am feeling better for your words.
HE Blesses us all
Jan-Michael
Jan-Michael
13. Jul, 2010
*Rose said “If I would have thought I remain the true me, if I do not agree with a post here, I would have taken out rough words, swearing at people and telling them what they have to do. I would have been bunished from the blog”.
…………………………….
But Rose, what goes on in the mind is the same as saying it or posting it.
Not posting rotten thoughts, not swearing to keep from being “banished” from a blog does not remove the thought. HE knows your “words” even if not spoken. And for others it just gets said or posted hurtfully and you feel it ok perhaps as you do not get banished, but many perhaps like I look for positive messages and lessons here, not exchanges as you and I now are pulled into and must now be posted.
This is Angie’s blog and topic and she has often suggested emailing to her rather than posting outside thoughts. I do not wish these conversations and I pray you will find a way to answer the questions of the Blog author and not turn this into Facebook. You had a problem back on OC when someone had a hard time in English and I said it was fine as I would translate whatever on-line. You lambasted the poor person and I was shocked at your vileness.
Rose you must know how “hearts” sink when they see you have posted! Mostly it will just be boosting your meeting the Schullers or that you already knew the story posted by Donna or whomever. You hurt people and I can only hope you find a way to care and that you find some positives in every day and let your past family hurts not live on through you.
With HIS blessings
Jan-Michael
Rose
13. Jul, 2010
JAN-MICHAEL, here you understand me wrong: Rose said “If I would have thought I remain the true me, if I do not agree with a post here, I would have taken out rough words, swearing at people and telling them what they have to do. I would have been bunished from the blog”. This sentence you took out of my post. It makes no sense without the previous I have told in this post. It was just thought as an example, maybe a hard example. Jan-Michael you do not like me, okay, but that gives you not a reason to tear me apart in your last entry. – I wish you all a blessed Sunday, Rose
Al
13. Jul, 2010
Interesting blog…lol
We never heard anything back from Angie… as of yet that is…lol
I had a suggestion, regarding possibly all of us doing something together, developing a blog in TEAM spirit here in this blog…lol
The bottom line is: That we all care… and we all could work through this little blog glip…lessening the tensions…lol
In doing so, perhaps we all could become more introduced, building & developing relations, or simply just with a more unified TEAM spirit. Just an idea…lol
And, of course, it depends on Angie and her volunteer work with Dallas Life. Perhaps, we could all do something with them in helping their cause in the homeless shelters.
Maybe, as a blog TEAM we could help by donating cash, house-hold items or food items to the homeless shelters at Dallas Life.
Some of us here in the blog, are too far away, to maybe ship items, or personally stop by their offices. However, maybe others would like to donate something…by a pay-pal or a donate button.
And I know, I have things in my food cupboards and other storage sheds that I could donate items and possibly ship over…Maybe, others would do the same.
It depends on Angie and Dallas life…Is this a good idea?
Maybe, lets hear and talk to Angie more? Or to possible look into some details on their website or even here in the blog with a pay-pal donate button and with their office shipping terms & address. Thinking as a TEAM unit.
Any thoughts?
Al
Angie
13. Jul, 2010
Hey Everyone! Just wanted to add some thoughts to several of these hot topics.
1)Please continue to share your resources & links via this blog. I believe the Holy Spirit will work through us to help each other. This is one way. Thank you, J-M for your thoughtfulness in this regard.
2)One of my life motto’s is “always believe the best in others.” I always presume the best about another’s motives. I believe all of you use this forum for growth & encouragement. I don’t think anyone is using this for selfish gain.
3)What interesting conversation about “The Real Me?” I think I’ll blog about it.