If I ask you to show me your financial portfolio, you would be able to show me. For some people that might simply be showing me their checkbook ledger, but you would still be able to show me something.
If I ask you to show me your educational experience, you would be able to show me a degree, a diploma, or a GED. Even if you didn't complete high school or get a GED, you would be able to share with me your educational experience.
But what if I ask you to show me your faith? What would it be? Some might take me to their church building. Others may tell me about their faith community. Many would explain how they read their Bible and pray everyday. All of these are examples of practicing faith. In fact, I encourage them all.
Jesus had different criteria for discipleship. Jesus said that if you wanted to be his disciple, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow him. You could say these are the three rules of faith. The best way to consider these rules and whether or not you are keeping them is in the form of a question. Let's consider this below:
Deny Yourself
How would you show me that you are denying yourself? What are you not doing so you can serve Jesus?
Take Up Your Cross
How would you show me you are taking up your cross? What burden are you bearing for Jesus?
Follow Jesus
How would you show me you are following Jesus? Of the concrete teachings of Jesus about being his disciple, which have you done? Fed the hungry? Clothe the poor? Announced the Kingdom of God?
Showing someone your faith isn't difficult if you are actually following the three rules Jesus set out for discipleship. What's amazing, though it shouldn't be, is that if we practiced these three rules every day, as Jesus taught, then our faith would be at a level we probably never dreamed of.
Want to grow in your faith? Find ways to answer the questions above. Your faith can't help but grow.
