Borrowed Faith
Living on “borrowed faith” describes relying on others’ belief, prayers, or religious traditions (like parents’ faith) instead of developing your own personal, authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. While it’s the Parents (family), not the church, that is responsible for raising our children Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go…”, all we can do as parents is plant the seeds and water them (be the example), then give it to God and trust that one day our children will also come to know Jesus on a personal level. Parents are called to be role models, living a Christ filled life by showing authentic faith where children can observe honesty, kindness, patience, love and grace. We are to instruct and model what it looks like to follow Christ, not force it!
While there are seasons in our lives where we can find temporary comfort in “borrowing” strength from the community, relying on borrowed faith tends to lead to having religion without a relationship, a faith that’s superficial and inherited rather than personally discovered and owned, leading to potential collapse when life’s challenges hit. Jesus died and rose again to repair that broken relationship and offer forgiveness, not by earning it, but as a gift.” As humans “we all fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23 meaning everyone has sinned and missed God’s perfect standard, but the verse continues to offer hope, explaining that God freely justifies people through faith in Jesus Christ, redeeming them from sin’s penalty. It signifies universal human imperfection, a concept that points to the need for God’s grace and a Savior to reach His divine holiness. No amount of human effort (good deeds, rituals) makes a person righteous enough; instead, God’s grace, demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice, provides the path to heaven. As parents we need to teach our children that salvation isn’t earned by good deeds but is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ not through human effort Ephesians 2:8-9, though good works often follow as evidence of that faith. Good works, acts of love, and a transformed life are seen as the natural result of saving faith, not the cause of it.
What does a real relationship with Jesus Christ look like? It’s an intimate connection, like a friendship, not just following rules or traditions. Jesus calls believers “friends,” not servants John 15:15. It’s moving from ‘I believe in God’ to ‘I know God’ and He knows me. It’s about His presence filling your life, giving you peace and strength to live right, because He loves us. It’s about surrendering your will to God, seeking to reflect His character (love, kindness, righteousness) through intentional choices, prayer, Bible study, and selfless service, empowered by the Holy Spirit, while actively turning from sin and finding joy and purpose in pleasing Him, not worldly things. It’s a journey of grace-filled growth, not instant perfection, focusing on loving God and others.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Have a blessed day #HABD
