This is the third installment in a series discussing what happens when we treat faith like fashion, only wearing the hottest and latest (see Part 1 and Part 2) from season to season. Faith, however, is not to be worn flippantly, vacilating with the latest church crazes. While church methods may change from generation to generation, the essentials of the Gospel have not and will not. Our faith is in a Person, not a product…and not just any person, but The Person who alone is the “same yesterday, today, and forever.” This is clearly seen and understood all throughout Scripture.
Confidence in the Word
Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of the things not seen. Certainty, not arrogance, is implicit in the call to faith. First John 5 paints a vivid picture as well: “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life” (Emphasis mine). While God is immense, He is not entirely unknowable. He gives us His word for this very reason: to disclose Himself that we might come to a knowledge of the saving grace in Jesus.
Where to Land?
Wrapping up this discussion on faith & fads, be trendy if you’d like – but don’t let it be your God. Contextualized and missional living makes a wonderful servant, but terrible master. The idol of New leaves you bankrupt with your feet planted firmly in mid-air. The proclivity to ride the waves of the latest trends and crazes without a deep understanding and abiding in the person and work of Jesus will leave you hopeless, helpless, and leave you unstable in all of your ways (James 1:8). So take Paul’s advice and “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 13:14) and keep the Main thing the Main thing.
