Outward or Inward Experience?

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13)

Socrates said, "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." I came into this world 'knowing nothing', but in the course of 'experiencing life' I have gained a bit of wisdom (at least I hope I have). We learn through experience, but do we always have to 'experience' to learn? God's ways are 'understood' in different ways than human understanding really can define. We don't always need to 'experience' something to learn from it. We can observe others 'experiencing' the event, realizing that we either want to avoid that event entirely, or engage ourselves in it all the more. When it comes to really seeing someone in love with Jesus, doing what he asks them to do without hesitation, and living within the peace that passes all understanding, we might just find ourselves drawn 'toward' that experience more than being 'repelled' away from it!

Genuine faith is different from religious faith. Religion is doing for the sake of achieving, all because the one doing fears some form of judgment. Genuine faith is observed in how one's actions reflect the goodness and grace of God. Grace draws one in, while judgment sends one into hiding. An honorable life is lived out in the open - there is a transparency that allows others to see Jesus in action through their lives. Doing 'good works' without humility is religious activity. Doing 'good works' with humility actually is different than 'abasing' oneself. It is us acknowledging that we are dependent upon God and are leaning into will for our lives. Religion focuses on the outward 'action', while relationship with Jesus focuses on the condition of the heart that is behind those actions. It is without judgment, open to hearing from God, and willing to submit to what he asks without hesitation.

When it comes to 'true faith', we actually know very little without the help of Jesus to show us how to live out that faith in our daily lives. Faith requires action, but it also requires dependence. Whenever we remain in control of our actions, choosing to experience life as we see fit, we aren't living in faith. We are not trusting God, nor are we pleasing him by choosing that way of life. God wants us to learn by experiencing his plans and purposes for our lives. Choosing our own plans over his, in the name of religion, is just plain silly. We won't experience a tenth of what he has prepared for us that way. We need to humbly acknowledge our dependence upon him, then lean into the 'experience' he has for us with a humble and grateful heart. Just sayin!