How do you "live" out your faith/religious beliefs?

[laughing lioness]

I've been thinking alot of about the Biblical verse, James 1:22 where it says for us to be doers as well as hearers of the word.

 

It's something I've been giving a lot of thought to lately and wondered, regardless of your faith tradition, how do you live your faith "outloud?"

[twilkin]

It doesn't seem like much but all the little things add up. Such as: always lending a hand to help, giving money to those in need, helping the sick, praying in public, raising my kids up in the Lord, standing up for what's right, distancing yourself from what's not. It all seems small on its own, but as a whole speaks loudly of your walk with the Lord. People come up to my family all the time to tell us they notice a difference. And they should. As Christians we should be noticed as different. It's a good thing. It's a daily doing!

[Parrothead]

Going to mass, teaching others, praying alone or with a group, helping those that need help, passing the tradition on to the next generation, desperately trying to be a good example even though I fail miserably most of the time.

[Donna T.]

For me, there is a constant awareness that I have been purchased and redeemed and it is Christ in me that lives, not myself. So, I live yielded to Him so that He may increase and I may decrease. For me, it's not about doing in a works based kind of way or being in some kind of a mystical way, instead my faith is about deferring to Him as a person, My King, a real person who directs my life, and about following His Word on everything. Whatever happens happens, but I can live knowing that He has ordered my path.

[Dayle in Guatemala]

I'm on the look out on a daily basis for ways to serve others. That may be bringing food to someone, praying with someone, listening to someone, going out of my way to make someone's life a little easier or better in some way.

 

I attend Bible studies and church weekly so that I can make sure that I'm ready, spiritually, when God needs me to. I spend time daily in prayer and the Word so I can hear His voice.

 

Being on the missionfield, my life IS my faith being lived out in so many ways. It's easy for me here to live what I believe because there is a lot of opportunity to do so--it's why I'm here. But, I have to say, in the US it wasn't much different.

[littlebug42]

Going to mass, teaching others, praying alone or with a group, helping those that need help, passing the tradition on to the next generation, desperately trying to be a good example even though I fail miserably most of the time.

 

:iagree:I think you were in my head. :lol:

[usetoschool]

I think my best explanation is in verse 26 and 27:

 

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

 

 

To be a doer of the word is to be kind, to love and serve, and especially to be as helpful as possible to those who are suffering or troubled. That is the goal anyway...the natural man gets in the way sometimes...but the plan is to use the time and talents Heavenly Father has blessed me with to serve His children. To try to say things that will uplift others, to try to be the one in the long line that maintains good humor and tries to make a joke and help others relax, to let people in on the freeway, to try to make the best of a bad situation, to give others the benefit of the doubt, to try to be a light instead of johnny rain cloud.

 

I like the verse a few before about looking in the glass and seeing who you are and then forgetting as soon as you walk away. I try to remember who I am and act accordingly. Like I said, sometimes the picture is a little fuzzy, but we try.

[Jean in Newcastle]

I believe that I need to be in fellowship (have confessed all sins I John 1:9) in order to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. So every morning before getting out of bed, I confess any sins (usually I can't think of any because I did it when going to sleep too). Then I will pray asking God to direct my day.

 

Have you ever read Brother Andrew? He took joy in serving God in the mundane kitchen duties that he had. And most of my day is the same. I see the routines of taking care of the children, their schooling and the house as serving God.

 

But I am also aware of those people who God brings into my life each day. It might be a phone call, a neighbor I see on the street, a person at the store or someone on the internet. I ask for God's guidance in each of those interactions.

 

Sometimes as I am aware of people and their needs. I find myself serving in ways that I hadn't intended. Lately 2 little girls have asked for a Bible study so we've welcomed them into our home for a short little 15 min. study and then playtime. Our church had a need for someone to work with the kids during junior church and I felt when I prayed about it, that I should volunteer for that.

 

That doesn't mean I say yes to everything - I prayerfully consider if I have the health and resources to do it because I don't believe that God wants me to do a bad job because I'm signing up for everything. The jobs that God gave me first - taking care of my self, my husband, and my children come first.

[manylilblessings]

Running out the door, but I just saw this and had to comment. In 24 hours, this is the 3rd separate source which has quoted this particular verse. Yesterday, it was the kids' verse for VBS which they needed to memorize. Thus, I got to memorize it as we worked together. Then, I was listening to Dave Ramsey, and it he used it in his show. Next, came your post.

 

I wonder if God is trying to tell me something... ?

 

LOL. Going out to be a doer of the word, and not just a hearer.

[Vida Winter]

Going to mass, teaching others, praying alone or with a group, helping those that need help, passing the tradition on to the next generation, desperately trying to be a good example even though I fail miserably most of the time.

 

That sums it up for me.

 

:grouphug:

[wy_kid_wrangler04]

OK I have not read any replies because this is what WE do!!!! (I will read what others do when I am done :001_smile:)

 

 

Obviously we go to Church, I teach Childrens Chruch, we tithe (ofcourse), raising my kids to know the Truth, know how to live morally and ethically, Pray publically, it seems constantly privately, We volunteer at the animal shelter (walking the dogs), The kids and I will chose areas around here and just pick up trash sometimes, I really like to help people. If somebody is in need I help however I can! (I try to do it with out them knowing when at all possible) I send money to people who I know are struggling and would use it wisely (without sigining the card or putting a return address-- I hate people knowing it was me because then they feel they "owe" me something and I dont want that- I help to help no strings attached), I have filled up peoples gas tank that need the help (1 in particular- pray for her, God knows who she is! Very rough situation) I have sent a struggling homeschool family money for curriculum (with out them knowing it was me-- luckily none of them are on this forum or I would not have answered this LOL) I am there when people need me anytime of day or night (I have had 2 middle of the night calls where I have gotten up to be with somebody) I volunteer at the local food bank.

 

Now dont get me wrong- this way of helping people are not daily acts, but whenever the need arises we do as much as we can! We used to be on the other side of the fence. My dh was unemployed with no unemployment for a while, before that company went into bankruptcy they slowed down so he was barely making enough for us to live on. God helped us through with many people and so now it is our turn to repay the favor with those who need it!

Edited June 18, 2010 by wy_kid_wrangler04

[phathui5]

A lot of ways. For our family, submitting to Christ means spending our lives serving God and people. We:

 

- have taken homeless families in until they could find somewhere to stay

- have provided low cost childcare for single moms

- go to church on Sundays

- read the Bible with the kids every day

- pray individually and as a family

- try to treat mean people kindly

- try hard not to gossip

- volunteer my doula services for low-income moms

- dh encourages his friends to stay away from pornography

- drive friends without a car to doctor's appointments

- watch friend's children when they need emergency childcare

- give regularly to our church and to charities

- buy groceries for friends who need help

[milovany]

Partaking in the sacraments of our church and attending as many services as possible, with a heart that is devoted and sincere and diligent, is what I see God using to make me more and more Christlike (I have so, so very far to go). In becoming more Christlike the living out of my faith jseems to have become, well, my life ~ everything is sacred, everything is "ministry," everything is part of the Kingdom of God. So I'm learning to give glory to God in all things, and to trust Him to take care of the rest.

Edited June 18, 2010 by milovaný

[asta]

I've always liked this one, and wished more people would use it, whatever their faith:

 

 

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

 

St. Francis of Assisi (Founder of the Franciscan order, 1181-1226)

 

 

a

[lionfamily1999]

Well, I'm working on it (no paragon of virtue, definitely not an example)...

 

I've started volunteering at our church. I joined the TLC group, so I write letters, call and visit some of the shut-ins in our area. Now that Scouts is over for the summer (where I'm a leader, and I do try to live out loud there as well) I'm going to start doing their homeless missions (they make food and take it out to the homeless, as well as gather clothing). I've started being more outgoing, especially in doing things for other people. I'm trying to be more verbal and send the praise back to God. It feels awkward to me to answer "Thank you" with "Thank God" ;), but I'm learning. Oh, and I am working on going on some missions trips. There are local missions (meaning continental USA) and many of our church's are in the Ozarks or Appalachia, I'm looking forward to a lot of that. Once I finish my emergency missions training (covers First Aid and CPR, but also things like building, cooking cafeteria style, dealing with large groups and needs &tc) I'll be ready to get moving :D

 

I'm not very outgoing, people stress me out and I prefer being at home with my peeps. I'm trying to live more for God and I've found I end up living more in general :lol:

 

ETA... Uh, we also go to church and tythe and things................................ I guess I thought those were implied :p

[....]

I've always liked this one, and wished more people would use it, whatever their faith:

 

 

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.â€

 

St. Francis of Assisi (Founder of the Franciscan order, 1181-1226)

 

 

a

 

:iagree: That's a great quote. I just finished reading a biography about Dietrich Bonhoeffer and that was an absolutely incredible read. He was obsessed with this question. Apparently, he spent a lot of time trying to define The Church and what it meant to be a Christian. He also addressed a lot of the negativity surrounding Christianity and perceptions that other people had on Christians. A big chunk of his work was trying to figure out how God wants people to live. He said that the best snapshot of how God wants us to live is in the Sermon on the Mount.

[laughing lioness]

I'm stuck on how it seems that so many don't do- yet those who do do are often roundly criticized.

Is it "enough" to just do for who you want to do for?

[rwjx2khsmj]

I'm participating in a Bible study and one of the questions for this week was "Which of the following "spiritual exercises" do you currently model for your daughter? I cheated and asked my daughters. They said that I model an active prayer life, tithing/giving to mission causes, local church involvement, Bible study preparation (even if I make them do the real work), and worship as an attitude of the heart.

[rwjx2khsmj]

Is it "enough" to just do for who you want to do for?

 

I think it's "enough" to do for who God wants you to do for. Over and over again, I feel as if I just pay attention to what is going on around me God lets me know what I need to do to glorify God.

[Lara in Colo]

I try to live my life like Jesus is watching.

 

I don't want to preach, I want to be proof God is a living God and have people see that in my eyes.

 

I want people to see me and think--"I want some of what she's got"

"Gotta get me some of that!!"

 

Lara

[Peela]

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.â€

 

St. Francis of Assisi (Founder of the Franciscan order, 1181-1226)

 

 

I love that. We recently made friends with a Franciscan monk and he is very sweet and a little bit preachy but we love him anyway. We love Saint Francis.

 

 

I try to practice acceptance, tolerance, openness, and caring, as much as I can. I take care of my family, I take care of myself, I love my friends, and I love my work. I believe a life spent in service to others (in an intelligent way) is a life well and happily lived and so while I don't go out of my way looking for ways to serve, that is my general intention within my life.

 

To me, spirituality is not a "doing" so much as a "being". In other words, it flows from me all the time and I live my spirituality to the extent that I am developed spiritually, in every single instant of my life with every fibre of my being. I think everyone does.

 

So to me its not so much about good acts as about keeping my heart clear of malice, bitterness, envy, hatred, even small amounts- and taking responsiblity for healing myself of those feelings when they arise; letting go of the past;forgiving; being 100% responsible for myself and everything I am and do- and then what I live will naturally reflect that. I don't need to "try" or "do" things so much as make sure I am clean and clear inside- then doing the right and good thing in any circumstance comes naturally.

Not sure if I explained that very well.

I do pray and ask for guidance a lot, too, even though I am not Christian.

[Guest Virginia Dawn]

I believe that I need to be in fellowship (have confessed all sins I John 1:9) in order to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. So every morning before getting out of bed, I confess any sins (usually I can't think of any because I did it when going to sleep too). Then I will pray asking God to direct my day.

 

Have you ever read Brother Andrew? He took joy in serving God in the mundane kitchen duties that he had. And most of my day is the same. I see the routines of taking care of the children, their schooling and the house as serving God.

 

But I am also aware of those people who God brings into my life each day. It might be a phone call, a neighbor I see on the street, a person at the store or someone on the internet. I ask for God's guidance in each of those interactions.

 

Sometimes as I am aware of people and their needs. I find myself serving in ways that I hadn't intended. Lately 2 little girls have asked for a Bible study so we've welcomed them into our home for a short little 15 min. study and then playtime. Our church had a need for someone to work with the kids during junior church and I felt when I prayed about it, that I should volunteer for that.

 

That doesn't mean I say yes to everything - I prayerfully consider if I have the health and resources to do it because I don't believe that God wants me to do a bad job because I'm signing up for everything. The jobs that God gave me first - taking care of my self, my husband, and my children come first.

 

Practicing the presence of God is one of the best "Christian" books I have read, besides Mere Christianity.

 

The biggest way I try to live my religion is to try to recognize the worth in each individual, because we are all made in the image of God and worthy of respect. IMO, kindness, consideration, and respect for the individual is a big deal. I'm a stickler for teaching my kids how to act and speak respectfully to all people.

 

Of course I do the other things: go to worship, give to charity, pray, study, etc.

[blessed2fosteradopt]

27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. - James 1:27

 

God has put a burden on my heart to look after his wounded, neglected and abandoned little ones. I foster and have adopted two from the system. I also serve on the board of directors of a non-profit which serves the foster/adoptive community. I also attend church.

 

Looking at the above, I realize it is not enough. Thank you for starting this thread. Time to make some changes.

 

Blessings,

 

Lisa

[laughing lioness]

Thank-you all for the replies. Lots to continue thinking about.

[lionfamily1999]

I'm stuck on how it seems that so many don't do- yet those who do do are often roundly criticized.

Is it "enough" to just do for who you want to do for?

Well, I think part of our charge as Christians, something we're suppose to be learning and growing to do, is to want to do for everyone. It's hard for me to remember that we're all God's children and he wants us to love everyone and 'do' for everyone.

 

I guess, at first it's alright, but eventually you have to grow past that and start focussing on all that God wants done and you'll do it, because you'll want to do it, because GOD wants you to do it.

[Jeanne in MN]

What would Jesus do? I try to model him in all that I do. I'm not always perfect, but I keep trying.

 

The other night at McDonald's, the staff, for whatever reason, was struggling with orders. One customer stepped around the end of the counter and hollered back to the cooks, "When are my fries coming, next week?!" Then later she was giving the cashiers a hard time for messing up on her change and was just treating them rudely. As she walked out the door, I told the two at the counter that the woman's behavior was uncalled for and they didn't deserve to be treated like that. The boy said they couldn't help it because the cash register/computer was having problems. The girl said, "that's ok, it happens a lot." I told her it wasn't ok. The woman had a right to be frustrated, but she didn't have the right to treat them that way. It's rude. I couldn't picture Jesus in McDonald's behaving like that.

 

If I try and live as Jesus would, it affects how I do everything.

[Vida Winter]

I've always liked this one, and wished more people would use it, whatever their faith:

 

 

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.â€

 

St. Francis of Assisi (Founder of the Franciscan order, 1181-1226)

 

 

a

 

That used to be my sig line - I've always liked it also.

[Vida Winter]

Do you love others? Even when it is hard? Do you pray for those who despitefully use you? Do you forgive those who offend you? Do you ask forgiveness when you offend? Do you love God with all you are and have?

 

I have come to believe that these things are by far the most important ways we live out our faith. Prayer, charity and fasting encompass all of these things, and all of it falls under the umbrella of love--self-emptying love.

 

Not that I am very good at it.

 

I have recently started praying for those I would consider enemies. Up to now (for many years) I have not been able to do that at all so I consider it a big step up. Actually I pray for their conversion, not simply for their health and well being. Some little kids I know got me doing this although I know I should have been doing it all along. It isn't the first time that a child has taught me a valuable lesson.

[asta]

I have recently started praying for those I would consider enemies. Up to now (for many years) I have not been able to do that at all so I consider it a big step up. Actually I pray for their conversion, not simply for their health and well being. Some little kids I know got me doing this although I know I should have been doing it all along. It isn't the first time that a child has taught me a valuable lesson.

 

~ Off topic ~

 

Right before my grandmother died, she came up to me with tears in her eyes, and said "isn't it wonderful?" I said "what, grandma?" She said, "since I was a child, I've been praying for the conversion of Russia. And now, LOOK! The wall has come down! My prayers, and those of millions of others have been answered! Just think of what else is possible."

 

Now, my sister, who is a Russian scholar, was rather appalled at grandma's comments, but we understood, knowing the generation from which grandma came, how she could feel the way she did. It must have truly been an amazing, faith redeeming experience for her.

 

 

a

[wy_kid_wrangler04]

I think it's "enough" to do for who God wants you to do for. Over and over again, I feel as if I just pay attention to what is going on around me God lets me know what I need to do to glorify God.

 

 

:iagree: God makes it clear- we just need to listen.

[wy_kid_wrangler04]

Do you love others? Even when it is hard? Do you pray for those who despitefully use you? Do you forgive those who offend you? Do you ask forgiveness when you offend?

 

I will say- I struggled with all those for the longest time. I even felt "justified" for not forgiving a certain person. God has really worked on me in that area (and still is) I do love others when it is hard, I do pray for those who despifully use me (there have been several) and I do ask for forgiveness when I offend people. I am really struggling with forgiving a person for offending me-- though it was much more than that- I have been forgiving this person for 12 years and this person is really making that tough. So this is an area I am really praying about changing about me. In fact, I dont have problems forgiving those who offend me- except for the 1 person. So that is my weak spot that I am really working on (not my only, but the one fore front in my mind at the moment)