"Casual Faith"

August 01, 2024 | By Chuck

  It seems modern society has truly embraced the idea of being casual. We see fewer coats, ties, and dresses than in the past. Even our communication has become more casual with social media and text messaging. Don’t misunderstand me, I have no problem with casual. In fact, I think casual can be warm, welcoming, and inviting to others. But, being too casual can also send the message it’s not that important or of great interest to us.

            I would only caution in our quest for a more casual society that we would not become casual in our faith. Faith is the single most important part of this life, and it is the only thing that will go with us when we depart this world. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) Faith is believing without doubt in what we cannot see. Our relationship with God is based on faith. We simply must have faith to please God. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

            Hebrews chapter 11 tells of the heroes of faith. If there was a hall of fame for those of faith, these men and women would be in it. The interesting thing is every single one of them had a faith that was anything but casual. Their faith journey was the priority of their lives. Their relationship with God was paramount over anything else in life. Why they are mentioned and remembered is due to what they accomplished by faith. 

“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household.” (Hebrews 11:7) Noah is not casual about his faith journey. His faith is so strong and important to him that it prompted him to obey God and build an ark that saved his family of eight from a world-wide flood. A casual faith may or may not see the significance of obeying God and being in fellowship with God’s people.

A casual faith seems to be a faith of convenience. If I have time. If I am interested in participating. One’s faith journey should be their top priority in life and what centers everything in their life. Everything we do in life should somehow reflect our faith. Casual faith does not leave that big of an impression on you or others.